Students, administration and faculty of Historically Black Universities & Colleges across the state woke up to bomb threats Tuesday morning. Jackson State University received the first threat around 4:15 a.m., followed by several other HBCUs in the state including: Tougaloo College, Alcorn State University and Mississippi Valley State University. All the schools shifted to virtual learning as a precautionary measure. No bombs were found.
JSU President Thomas Hudson issued a statement calling the threats "a shameless attempt to dampen our sense of safety and freedom by attacking locations traditionally considered a haven for all pursuing an education in a nurturing environment”.
Hinds Community College also took precautionary measures due to the threats; closing four campuses in Hinds County Tuesday. Hinds CC did not receive any direct threats. Still classes went virtual, with faculty and staff working remotely. The Rankin and Vicksburg-Warren Campuses remained under normal operations.
Free Covid 19 Vaccinations, which are normally given on Tuesdays at JSU, were put on hold until next week due to the threats.
The threats come as the nation celebrates the first day of Black History Month and is the latest in a series of bomb threats against HBCU’s across the nation. Local and federal law officers are reminding the public to be alert and report any suspicious activity they see.
For WJSU News, I’m Cynthia Maxie Milton
