U.S. Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) and U.S. Rep. French Hill (R-AR) recently joined their fellow co-chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Caucus in requesting information and resources from the federal government about its investigation into the high number of bomb threats being made against the nation’s HBCUs.
Calling such threats a “disturbing pattern” against these institutions, the lawmakers also requested that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) provide them with guidance outlining resources available for HBCUs to protect against these threats.
“We are deeply concerned about these disturbing, repeated threats of violence towards the HBCU community,” wrote Sen. Scott, Rep. Hill, and their Democratic colleagues in an Oct. 4 letter sent to DOJ Attorney General Merrick Garland and FBI Director Christopher Wray. “We are also deeply concerned that these threats are continuing into this new school year.”
According to their letter, at least 57 bomb threats have been made this year to HBCUs across the country, with Howard University in Washington, D.C., receiving eight bomb threats, including two recently within the same week.
“Bomb threats should not be a normal part of the campus experience,” wrote the lawmakers. “Many students may become, or have become, desensitized to these threats of violence directed toward themselves and campus communities. We are concerned that the ongoing nature of these threats may embolden others who wish to do harm to these schools and their students.”
The FBI opened an investigation into the bomb threats in February. The caucus leaders want to ensure that the HBCUs receive timely and relevant communications related to the investigation to ensure school leaders and law-enforcement officials “have all they need to keep safe” as the FBI works “expeditiously to identify those responsible,” the members wrote.
“To that end, we would be grateful for written guidance that can be shared with institutions outlining funding streams, including competitive grant programs; any training opportunities that may be available to institution staff; and resources for the development of standard operating procedures available through the [DOJ] and FBI in order to strengthen campus safety,” according to their letter. “Such guidance should include instructions on how smaller institutions or those less experienced with federal programs can receive technical assistance on any relevant applications.”
Sen. Scott, Rep. Hill, and their colleagues also asked that the DOJ and FBI teams regularly connect with staff in their offices to share updates, feedback, and concerns from the broader community.
“We would also welcome in those conversations any notes on funding, authorities, or other assistance from Congress that might be helpful as you continue your investigations and we all work to support the HBCU community,” they wrote.
U.S. Sen. Christopher Coons (D-DE) and U.S. Rep. Alma Adams (D-NC), also co-chairs of the Congressional HBCU Caucus, joined Sen. Scott and Rep. Hill in signing the letter.