(Washington D.C.) February 1st, 2022- The Muslim American Society is appalled at the bomb threats received by dozens of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. These threats span multiple different campuses in different states, including Georgia, Mississippi, Florida, Louisiana, Kentucky, Baltimore, Arkansas and Washington D.C. While the investigation into these threats are ongoing, the message of fear they send cannot be ignored.
HBCUs acknowledge, uplift, and center Black excellence. They provide a rigorous and nurturing environment to aspiring students left behind by other institutions. Black Americans continue to deal with racism, violence, overcriminalization, police brutality and mass incarceration. These recent threats against HBCUs add another layer of violence on a community impacted by systemic racism on all levels.
“The FBI must investigate these threats thoroughly and ensure the safety of the students, faculty and community at these institutions”, said Ayman Hammous, Executive Director of MAS. “The threat of violence is violence itself, as seen by the trauma inflicted on these campuses.”
“It is not a coincidence that these threats come on the heels of the first day of Black History Month”, says Ismahan Abdullahi, Director of MAS-PACE. “The Black community is resilient as are the HBCUs that serve this community. Hate and violent threats can never be tolerated.”
We pray for the protection of the students, faculty and all who are part of the HBCU community. We stand strongly against any threat of violence directed at the Black community.
The Muslim American Society is a dynamic charitable, religious, social, cultural, advocacy and educational organization. Its mission is to move people and nurture lifelong, God-centered agents of change. Our vision is a vibrant American Muslim community striving for a just and virtuous society.