HBCUs lockdown after threats as FBI investigates hoax calls

Several historically Black colleges and universities across the United States were placed on lockdown Thursday after receiving a string of threats that forced campuses to cancel classes, restrict movement and shelter students in place. Institutions that enacted emergency measures included Alabama State University, Hampton University, Virginia State University, Southern University in Baton Rouge, Clark Atlanta University and Bethune‑Cookman University, and several Atlanta-area schools such as Spelman, Morehouse and Morris Brown briefly issued precautionary orders. No injuries were reported.

University officials described a range of responses as the threats were assessed. Alabama State told students it had suspended all campus activities after what it called a terroristic threat and directed residential students to shelter in place before later issuing an all clear. Hampton halted nonessential activity, including athletic events, and canceled classes Thursday and Friday. Southern University locked down its Baton Rouge campus, including its law center, then lifted the order but canceled activities through the weekend. Virginia State initially restricted outdoor movement and...