Rubio Joins Scott, Coons, and Colleagues in Applauding Passage of Resolution Condemning Recent Bomb Threats Against HBCUs

Press Release

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) joined Senators Tim Scott (R-SC), Chris Coons (D-DE) and colleagues in applauding the passage of a Senate resolution that condemned the recent bomb threats at historically Black colleges and universities across the United States, including in Florida. The resolution reaffirmed the government's commitment to combating violence against students, faculty, and staff.

Click here to see a full list of cosponsors.

The full text of the resolution is below.

Condemning threats of violence against historically Black colleges and universities and reaffirming support for the students of historically Black colleges and universities.

Whereas a high-quality education is central to economic prosperity and social well-being in the United States;

Whereas historically Black colleges and universities (referred to in this preamble as ""HBCUs'') provide educational and economic opportunities for postsecondary students;

Whereas HBCUs have provided, and continue to provide, a high-quality education that allows students to attain their full potential;

Whereas HBCUs were founded to ensure Black students had access to a high-quality education.

Whereas, on January 4, 2022, at least 8 HBCUs received bomb threats, including Howard University, Xavier University, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Prairie View A&M University, North Carolina Central University, Florida Memorial University, Norfolk State University, and Spelman College;

Whereas, on January 31, 2022, at least 8 HBCUs received bomb threats, including Southern University and A&M College, Howard University, Bethune-Cookman University, Albany State University, Bowie State University, Alabama A&M University, Charles R. Drew University, and Delaware State University;

Whereas, on February 1, 2022, the first day of Black History Month, at least 18 HBCUs received bomb threats, including Shorter College, Philander Smith College, Arkansas Baptist College, the University of the District of Columbia, Howard University, Edward Waters University, Spelman College, Fort Valley State University, Kentucky State University, Xavier University, Coppin State University, Morgan State University, Jackson State University, Alcorn State University, Mississippi Valley State University, Rust College, Tougaloo College, and Harris-Stowe State University;

Whereas, on February 8, 2022, Spelman College received a
bomb threat;

Whereas, on February 14, 2022, Howard University and Fisk University received bomb threats;

Whereas, on February 16, 2022, Fayetteville State University, Claflin University, and Winston-Salem University received bomb threats;

Whereas, on February 23, 2022, Hampton University received a bomb threat;

Whereas, on February 25, 2022, at least 3 HBCUs received bomb threats, including Norfolk State University, Elizabeth City State University, and Dillard University;

Whereas HBCUs provide an environment of belonging, safety, and security for students, faculty, and administrators; and

Whereas these threats against HBCUs disrupt campus environments, obstruct educational opportunities, and instill fear: Now therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate--

(1) condemns violence and the threat of violence against historically Black colleges and universities (referred to in this resolution as ""HBCUs''), including the bomb threats made against several HBCUs on January 4, January 31, February 1, February 8, February 14, February 16, February 23, and February 25, 2022;

(2) honors the legacy of HBCUs; and

(3) reaffirms the commitment of the Federal Government to combat violence against the students, faculty, and staff of HBCUs.

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