U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) applauded the Senate’s recent passage of a resolution condemning a recent series of bomb threats against Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Warner and Kaine indicated the resolution, spearheaded by U.S. Sens. Chris Coons (D-DE) and Tim Scott (R-SC), reaffirms the government’s commitment to combating violence against students, faculty, and staff.
“The unanimous passage of this resolution underscores the strong condemnation of recent threats against HBCUs and need to conduct thorough investigations to hold perpetrators accountable,” the Senators wrote via the resolution. “We’ll continue to help HBCUs access federal resources to keep their campuses safe, and we remain committed to combating hate and violence.”
Since January, the FBI has reported 44 bomb threats to HBCUs, including at Norfolk State University and Hampton University in Virginia.
Warner successfully promoted HBCU defense research in the most recent defense authorization bill, including a version of his Building Equitable Access to Contribute to Our National Security (BEACON) Act. Kaine successfully pushed to advance legislation he co-sponsored called the HBCU Propelling Agency Relationships Towards a New Era of Results for Students (PARTNERS) Act, strengthening federal agency and HBCU partnerships.
“HBCUs provide an environment of belonging, safety, and security for students, faculty, and administrators,” the senators concluded. “These threats against HBCUs disrupt campus environments, obstruct educational opportunities, and instill
fear.”