Rising Violence in America: Threats Towards Black Students Disrupt University Campuses
On September 11, 2025, numerous universities across the country received violent threats, forcing several campuses into lockdown. Most of the threats were directed at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). While no injuries have been reported, the incidents have left students on edge and campuses unusually quiet.
At the University of Central Florida (UCF), one of the threats specifically targeted Black students. The message referenced the murder of Iryna Zarutska, a refugee recently stabbed by an African American man on a public bus, and included racist language and violent threats.
The email states that after viewing the murder of Iryna Zarutska, the sender has had enough and will now be targeting all the African-Americans on campus.
“The school emailed me saying they are aware of the threat and they do not believe it was credible. I was definitely scared, but I still went to class today, not all teachers canceled classes. Classes were very empty and so was campus, I’ve never seen so little people walking around,” said Krysty Castillo, a current UCF student and Miami Lakes Educational Center alum.
Other universities across the country also took precautionary measures. Virginia State University canceled classes after going into lockdown. Hampton University suspended non-essential activities and canceled classes for two days.
Alabama State University went on lockdown following what officials called a “terroristic threat.” Southern University in Baton Rouge paused all operations during a full lockdown. Bethune-Cookman University instructed students to shelter in place while canceling classes. Clark Atlanta University issued a shelter-in-place order. Spelman College and Morehouse College both issued similar advisories.
Florida A&M University (FAMU) was not placed under lockdown, but still issued warnings to students to remain cautious.
“We’re kinda like on a secure lockdown, like we’re not locked in our rooms, we can still roam the campus, just warnings are out. They said there’s not a threat as of now, but they still want to take the precautions just in case. All we heard was he-say she-say stuff about the campus potentially closing, but we haven’t gotten no message about threats that I know of,” said Jeremiah Jackson, a FAMU student and MLEC alum.
As universities respond with lockdowns, cancellations, and heightened security, students continue to navigate fear and uncertainty. For many, the rise in threats has reshaped the normal rhythm of campus life, replacing it with empty classrooms, quiet hallways, and lingering unease.
