Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) voted to pass H. Con. Res. 70, a resolution condemning threats of violence against Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and reaffirming support for HBCUs and their students. Several HBCUs in North Carolina, including Fayetteville State University and Winston-Salem State University, received bomb threats last month amid a series of threats made against HBCUs nationwide.
“The recent bomb threats targeted at North Carolina HBCUs and so many others across the country are absolutely appalling,” said Congresswoman Ross, a member of the Congressional Bipartisan HBCU Caucus. “I’m proud to represent two incredible HBCUs, Shaw University and Saint Augustine’s University, that serve as agents of equity, access, and excellence in education, especially for Black students. These threats have jeopardized the safety and wellbeing of students, faculty, and staff and represent a disturbing reminder of the forces of violent white supremacy that still persist in the United States. Passing this resolution is an important first step to protecting HBCUs in the face of this hateful violence.”
“I’m proud of the House for passing H. Con. Res. 70, a resolution that condemns the despicable, cowardly bomb threats to Historically Black Colleges and Universities on multiple days this year,” said Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12), founder and co-chair of the Congressional Bipartisan HBCU Caucus. “These threats were hate crimes. They were acts of terror. As a proud HBCU alumnae and professor, I know HBCUs can overcome any challenge, but those challenges shouldn’t include violence. Terrorism and racism have no place on college campuses – or anywhere else.”
Congresswoman Ross is a cosponsor of this resolution as well as the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act, which will authorize crucial investments in HBCUs.
The resolution is supported by numerous organizations including United Negro College Fund (UNCF), Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), and National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO).
"We thank Congresswoman Adams for leading the way and shepherding H. Con. Res. 70, a resolution that condemns the recent terroristic threats to HBCUs across the county," said Harry L. Williams President and CEO of TMCF. "This resolution symbolizes Congress saying with one voice that hatred and threats of violence will not be tolerated. We continue to anticipate and expect that the Justice Department will prosecute the individuals responsible for these heinous acts to the fullest extent of their authority and we look forward to the swift conclusion of this matter."
“Passing this resolution was essential as far as UNCF (United Negro College Fund) is concerned,” said Dr. Michael L. Lomax, President & CEO of UNCF. “The disruption, anguish, and acts of terror that more than one-third of all HBCUs have experienced in January and February of this year are unacceptable. While we are glad for Rep. Adams and others were able to pass this resolution in an overwhelmingly bipartisan manner, we are still waiting for the perpetrators of these hate crimes to be brought to justice.”
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