Congressman Al Green Urges Federal Action, Including Additional Security and Resources Following Racist Threats to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)

(Washington, DC) - On Wednesday, September 17, 2025, Congressman Al Green issued a written communique to the U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon and Attorney General Pam Bondi, urging a full federal investigation into the recent wave of racist threats against numerous Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). He also called for the immediate deployment of additional security resources to protect students, faculty, and staff. A copy of the letter is accessible here.

In recent days, several HBCUs, including Alabama State University, Virginia State University, Hampton University, Southern University, and Clark Atlanta University, locked down their campuses and canceled classes after receiving terroristic threats in the wake of the murders of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska and political commentator Charlie Kirk. Although the FBI has described the threats as "hoax calls," they have nonetheless instilled fear, disrupted education, and placed a heavy emotional burden on students, faculty, and families.

Congressman Al Green stated, "Protecting students at HBCU campuses nationwide from ongoing threats is just as important as protecting students at Ivy League schools. This is not only a matter of public safety, but also of educational equity and civil rights. These racist, terroristic threats are an attack on the dignity and future of young people who are simply pursuing an education. No parent should live in fear for their child's safety in a classroom, and no student should be targeted for choosing to attend an HBCU. This is why I am calling for a full federal investigation and immediate reinforcement of campus security. We cannot allow hate to grow unchecked; we must confront it with vigilance, compassion, and decisive action for all students at all institutions of higher education."