The publication is reproduced in full below:
CONDEMNING THREATS OF VIOLENCE AGAINST HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND
UNIVERSITIES
Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 70) condemning threats of violence against historically Black colleges and universities
("HBCUs'') and reaffirming support for HBCUs and their students, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the concurrent resolution.
The text of the concurrent resolution is as follows:
H. Con. Res. 70
Whereas the Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the bomb threats made in January and February 2022 against HBCUs as racially or ethnically motivated violent extremism and hate crimes;
Whereas a high-quality education is central to economic prosperity and social well-being in the United States;
Whereas HBCUs provide educational and economic opportunities for postsecondary students;
Whereas these institutions educate and produce a significant share of the Nation's Black leaders and innovators;
Whereas as early as the 19th century, HBCUs were established in response to discriminatory practices that excluded Black Americans from pursuing an education in the United States;
Whereas, on January 5, 2022, at least 8 HBCUs received bomb threats, including Howard University, Xavier University, 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 6 HBCUs received bomb threats, including Southern University and A&M, Howard University, Bethune-Cookman University, Albany State University, Bowie State 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 HBCUs provide an environment of belonging, safety, and security for Black students, faculty, and administrators; and
Whereas these threats against HBCUs disrupt campus environments, obstruct educational opportunities, increase anxiety, and instill fear: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That Congress--
(1) condemns violence and the threat of violence against HBCUs, including bomb threats made against several HBCUs on January 5, 2022, January 31, 2022, and February 1, 2022; and
(2) reaffirms the commitment of the United States Federal Government to combat violence against HBCU students, faculty, and staff.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott) and the gentlewoman from Iowa (Mrs. Miller-Meeks) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Virginia.
General Leave
Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material on H. Con. Res. 70.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Virginia?
There was no objection.
Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, over the last 5 months, more than 30 of our Nation's historically Black colleges and universities, including Norfolk State University and Hampton University in my district, have faced an alarming series of bomb threats.
These threats of violence against HBCU students, staff, and communities are deplorable and unacceptable. In response, schools were forced to cancel classes and lock down campuses and dormitories, disrupting students' education and depriving them of their sense of safety.
After some prodding, Members of Congress were briefed by the Department of Justice and learned that the FBI is investigating these threats as racially motivated and possibly hate crimes. It should not go unnoticed that these current threats underscore the very reason HBCUs were established in the first place; to eliminate barriers to higher education for Black students by creating safe, affirming, and high-quality institutions.
Mr. Speaker, we should all agree that every student in this country deserves to attend a school with a safe and supportive campus.
This resolution not only condemns the recent threats of violence but also reaffirms our shared commitment to protecting the safety of HBCU students.
I want to thank Congresswoman Adams for her leadership in crafting this resolution, and I urge all of my colleagues to send a unified message that these disgusting threats of violence will not be tolerated.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I stand in unequivocal support of H. Con. Res. 70.
The series of bomb threats against historically Black colleges and universities, or HBCUs, is extremely concerning. Threats of violence, especially ones motivated by racism and hate, have no place in this country. This resolution demonstrates our full and unwavering support for HBCUs.
Since the beginning of February, over a dozen HBCUs in 5 states and the District of Columbia have received bomb threats. Threatening the safety and education of students in these historic institutions is unacceptable.
The work HBCUs do on behalf of students, families, and communities, is critically important. These institutions are invaluable parts of the postsecondary education landscape, and they are changing lives by offering students an excellent education.
For almost 200 years, these institutions have worked to provide Black Americans with the skills and education they need to become a vital part of our workforce. Generations of strong and capable leaders have graduated from these institutions, including 50 percent of Black teachers and doctors, as well as 80 percent of Black judges.
Despite massive challenges throughout their histories, HBCUs have persevered. Their ability to thrive under immense pressure and hardship is how we know they will survive this current onslaught of hate. But they will not fight against these threats alone. We stand by their side so they can continue to play a critical role in preparing our country's next generation of leaders and innovators.
I strongly urge my colleagues to join me in voting ``yes'' on this resolution, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), the majority leader of the United States House of Representatives.
Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Scott, the chairman of the Education and Labor Committee, and the gentlewoman from Iowa for their comments. We join in unanimity in rejecting hate, rejecting bigotry, and rejecting threats based upon the color of skin or any other attribute, rather than adverse conduct.
Mr. Speaker, I am proud to be a founding member of the Congressional Bipartisan HBCU Caucus, led by Congresswoman Adams from North Carolina. I am proud, because historically Black colleges and universities not only have played a critical role in making quality higher education accessible to more people in my district but also because these institutions have produced some of the most innovative, entrepreneurial, and transformative leaders for our country.
When I first learned about the bomb threats against several HBCU campuses earlier this year, I was deeply alarmed and angered. Disturbingly, these threats continue to occur, including at Bowie State University, Maryland's oldest HBCU and one of the first in our country. It is in my district.
I picked up the phone and called my friend, Aminta Breaux, who is the president of Bowie State University, to ask about her campus, her students, the faculty, their sense of threat, and, yes, their sense of well-being.
On February 2, as the chairman has outlined he has done, I sent a letter to the Secretary of Homeland Security Mayorkas and Attorney General Garland making clear that these threats must be taken seriously, and they ought to be investigated as hate crimes. The chairman has just indicated that is what they are doing. That was, of course, during February, Black History Month.
Sadly, the history of Black Americans, of those brought here in 1619 in chains who, for another 2\1/2\ centuries, lived in those chains or lived in segregation--and I mean America, not just the South--lived in a place where they were discriminated against and shut out.
The threats made against historically Black colleges and universities in 2022 recall the horrific attacks made on students who worked to integrate higher education during the 1950s and 1960s, against young Freedom Riders.
Mr. Speaker, I spent this past weekend in Montgomery, Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama, and Selma, Alabama. My dear friend John Lewis went with me every time I went there. He went more often, obviously. We walked across the Edmund Pettus Bridge together, half of those times hand in hand. We miss John, but his spirit was there. His cry for justice was there. His cry for freedom and respect was there.
The threats made against historically Black colleges and universities were a failure of some of our citizens to understand the grief, the wrong, the original sin of slavery, and the ramifications of that to this very day.
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Today's young Americans, like those young Americans, deserve to spend their college years free from violence and harassment, free from the hate and intolerance that it manifests. They deserve to learn and grow and expand their horizons without fear of bombs, gun violence, or threats of attack.
Martin Luther King, in his ``I Have a Dream'' speech, spoke about young Black boys and young Black girls with young White boys and young White girls holding hands in solidarity as Americans based upon the content of their character, not the color of their skin.
This bipartisan resolution before us expresses that determination and concern of the House for the safety and well-being of students, faculty, and staff at historically Black colleges and universities across the country.
I want to thank Representative Adams and Republican Member Hill. This is bipartisan. This is about America. This is about who we are. This is about who we want to stand up for and what we want to stand up about.
Let us come together today in a strong show of unity and resolve to say that this kind of hateful and criminal activity has no place in our country and runs counter to our principles of freedom, justice, opportunity, and equality.
John Lewis is not with us physically here today, but his spirit is on this floor, and on his behalf I urge every one of our colleagues to vote ``yes'' for justice, for respect, for America.
Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Louisiana (Ms. Letlow).
Ms. LETLOW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 70.
Like countless Americans, I am deeply shocked by the recent threats against our Nation's historically Black colleges and universities. As a former educator who spent my career working on college campuses, I firmly believe that every student has the right to learn in a safe environment and free from threats and intimidation.
I am proud to say that my State of Louisiana is home to some of the Nation's most iconic HBCUs, including Grambling State University, Southern University, and Xavier University of Louisiana. I am saddened to know the emotional anguish that students, faculty, and staff went through last month when threats were made against Southern and Xavier.
Today, we send a clear message to those that want to use fear, intimidation, and hatred against our Nation's HBCUs: We will never just stand by and let you terrorize our students, our next generation of leaders, and our future.
So many Members of this Congress are united, both Republicans and Democrats, and we are proud to support America's HBCUs with this resolution.
Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton).
Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding and for this important resolution. I rise in support of this resolution condemning threats of violence against historically Black colleges and universities.
As the Member from the District of Columbia, I also represent two historically Black colleges and universities, Howard University and the University of the District of Columbia. Last month, several D.C. schools were targeted, including my own alma mater, Dunbar High School.
This resolution is important to not only express our outrage at these threats of violence, but to reaffirm our commitment to the students, faculty, and staff at these universities.
HBCUs are responsible for educating the next generation and preparing them for their careers. The value they have for the District of Columbia and the country cannot be overstated.
Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill).
Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution, and I appreciate the opportunity to work on it with my good friend and co-
chair of the HBCU Caucus, Alma Adams. Alma and I have worked tirelessly over the past year and a half on issues of importance to our HBCUs. We were elected together in 2014 and have both been actively engaged in helping lead on HBCU issues before this Congress over the past four terms.
All four of Arkansas' HBCUs have received bomb threats, Mr. Speaker. University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, our land grant university, was the first to receive a bomb threat. Later, Philander Smith, Arkansas Baptist College, and Shorter College all received bomb threats, all in my hometown of Little Rock.
These bomb threats began on January 4, and we are seeing continued bomb threats even as of last week. According to the FBI, at least 28 historically Black colleges and universities have received such a threat, and they have received threats multiple times.
Imagine being a student and learning your school has had a bomb threat. Imagine being a parent and learning that your child's school has had a bomb threat. It would be terrifying. As a student, a campus community member, or a parent, this cannot stand.
These bomb threats are meant to invoke fear in our HBCU communities. This violence is unacceptable, and it cannot become the norm for our historically Black colleges and universities. I am deeply disturbed and saddened that we even have to be on the floor today to carry on this conversation.
We are condemning these threats by this resolution. I expect an overwhelming bipartisan support. I urge it. I thank Alma, again, for her leadership on it. I thank Mr. Scott and Mrs. Miller-Meeks.
Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Garcia).
Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Mr. Speaker, in January, 14 HBCUs received bomb threats. Even worse, on the first day of Black History Month, 18 HBCUs received bomb threats. That is more than 30 threats to our HBCUs in only 3 months. That is simply appalling and unacceptable.
The numbers show threats to HBCUs are rising. These threats have no place in our communities. These actions must stop now and should be condemned by Congress now.
As a proud graduate of the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University, an HBCU institution, and a proud member of the HBCU Caucus, I am honored to cosponsor H. Con. Res. 70, which condemns these threats to our HBCUs.
Students deserve to be free from fear. College is for learning, not for bombing. I urge my colleagues to condemn these acts now and support this resolution.
Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Mfume).
Mr. MFUME. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Chairman Scott for yielding, and for also working so closely with Representative Adams to get us to this point.
Mr. Speaker, I don't know how we got here, except that I know that we can't, as a Nation, stay at this point. There is no reason that Black colleges and universities, and the students that attend them, ought to be threatened in this sort of way with this sort of almost impunity by racists who think that they can do that and that there will not be a response.
I happen to be chair of the Board of Regents at Morgan State University, a historically Black college, founding itself 4 years after Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, and has turned out, over that period of time, thousands of bright young people who have come out all over the country and are serving in different capacities.
In my State of Maryland, whether it was Morgan State University, or Coppin State University, or Bowie State, you cannot imagine the sense of uncertainty that students had, knowing that they were under threat and that at any minute something could, in fact, happen.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired.
Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentleman from Maryland.
Mr. MFUME. Mr. Speaker, for them who are the extensions of a race of people who have suffered, endured, and survived two centuries of slavery, oppression, deprivation, degradation, denial, and disprivilege, none of them should have to matriculate in this country at an institution of higher education under those conditions simply because they are Black.
I strongly urge this condemnation to be approved by this body.
Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, we certainly all remain unified in condemning the bomb threats, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Wasserman Schultz).
Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I proudly stand with my colleagues to condemn the terrorizing of our historically Black colleges and universities.
The cowards who made bomb threats to America's HBCUs sought to sow fear on the very campuses where Black scholars seek belonging, safety, and support.
They exploited the legacy of bombings long inflicted on Black communities, like those ignited in Jim Crow Florida at White businesses that served Blacks, at synagogues, and at the home of the brave civil rights pioneers, Harry and Harriet Moore.
They tried to light the same fires of hatred right outside Black bastions of higher learning, like Florida Memorial, Edward Waters, and Bethune-Cookman Universities.
On the first day of Black History Month in 2022--2022--over a dozen other HBCUs saw bomb threats and lockdowns. If Howard and Spelman aren't safe, they seem to warn, then neither is FAMU.
HBCUs were always scholarly havens when Whites shut Black students out, and they still mold strong Black leaders, celebrate Black culture, and nurture academic excellence.
Hatred cannot diminish that, and it will not, but only if we unite as one to affirm that racism and terror will not be tolerated on college campuses, especially our HBCUs. A threat to one, after all, is a threat to us all.
Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Missouri (Ms. Bush).
Ms. BUSH. Mr. Speaker, St. Louis and I rise today because the violence of white supremacy has once again threatened institutions of Black education across our country, our historically Black colleges and universities.
Nearly 30 bomb threats have been levied against HBCUs in recent months. My own alma mater, Harris-Stowe State University in St. Louis, was subjected to this dangerous violence on the first day of Black History Month. As one of only two HBCUs in Missouri, Harris-Stowe should be a safe haven for Black students to learn, to grow, to fully realize their humanity. As proud Harris-Stowe Hornets, we know the antidote to white supremacy's violence and intimidation is Black education and our liberation.
I thank my HBCU sister in service, Congresswoman Adams, for championing this legislation and bringing the issue of white supremacist violence against HBCUs for consideration in the U.S. House of Representatives. I am proud to support this resolution and to join my colleagues in condemning the bomb threats against HBCUs.
Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Carter).
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Mr. CARTER of Louisiana. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding, and a special thanks to Representative Alma Adams for her tireless efforts on behalf of our Nation's historically Black colleges and universities.
HBCUs were built to educate and celebrate the Black community when very few would. At Xavier University in New Orleans, my mother was able to bring six children to class while she finished her college degree. Little did she know that her children and grandchildren would later attend and graduate from the very same university.
We are barely 2 full months into the year, but dozens of HBCUs are on high alert amid several instances of racially motivated threats of violence. HBCUs are resilient institutions that can weather any storm but should not have to weather this type of storm.
The threats to these higher education institutions are not just disrupting postsecondary education. They are disrupting the very underlying sense of safety and community of the HBCUs. The fact that this has been undermined is perhaps the biggest travesty of all.
Let us be clear: These threats are acts of terror, and they must be urgently investigated and prosecuted. We must help foster safety in the HBCU communities.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired.
Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Carter).
Mr. CARTER of Louisiana. We must help foster safety in HBCU communities. Today's resolution is a way that Congress can commit to fighting against hatred and racism and stand with HBCUs.
Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, how much time is remaining on both sides?
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Virginia has 10\1/2\ minutes remaining. The gentlewoman from Iowa has 15\1/2\ minutes remaining.
Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Bishop).
Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding and for bringing this resolution to the floor.
Today, I rise in strong support of this resolution condemning threats of violence against historically Black colleges and universities, or HBCUs, and reaffirming the important role that HBCUs play in our country's education, innovation, and leadership.
I am a proud graduate of Morehouse College, one of 107 HBCUs across this country. My district, in middle and southwest Georgia, is home to two distinguished HBCUs, Fort Valley State University and Albany State University, both of which were targeted during last month's bomb threats.
The incitement of fear and hatred is utterly unacceptable, should be intolerable, and has no place anywhere, let alone at our sacred places of learning.
These threats came on the cusp of Black History Month, and they remind us that we still have not achieved the colorblind world that was dreamed of by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and of the important educational mission and empowering roles that HBCUs play for the African-American community and our Nation.
Today, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution condemning these dangerous threats to our Nation's HBCUs and the African-American community and demand that those responsible be brought to justice for their heinous actions.
Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Adams), the chair of the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus and sponsor of the resolution.
Ms. ADAMS. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record statements from UNCF, TMCF, NAFEO, Alabama A&M's President Wims, and the Executive Leadership Council in support of the resolution.
Washington, DC (February 7, 2022).--Over the past month, more than two dozen historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have received terroristic threats in an apparent attempt to disrupt and, presumably, sow fear in our campus communities. These attempts to intimidate the HBCU community reached a peak on Tuesday, Feb. 1--the first day of Black History Month--when 13 HBCUs were forced to disrupt their normal operations due to coordinated threats posed to their respective campuses.
The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) are pleased that the federal government has characterized its ongoing investigation into these threats as ``threats of terror with the utmost seriousness'' and as acts of domestic terrorism, as announced during a recent briefing by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and the Department of Homeland Security
(DHS). Given the federal government's characterization of these threats, we anticipate and expect that the Justice Department will fully prosecute the individuals responsible for these heinous acts and we look forward to the swift conclusion of this matter.
Unfortunately, these terrorist acts fall squarely into a recent trend line documented by the Center for Strategic and International Studies that reflects a sharp increase in right-wing extremist attacks and plots in the United States in recent years. HBCUs, as institutions founded for the original purpose of educating and uplifting former enslaved people and their descendants, have been at the forefront of social and economic justice advocacy for more than 180 years. Our universities' missions and their historic legacies naturally put them at odds with the enemies of equality which, even in the 21st century, makes our institutions and their students, staff, faculty and administrators an apparent target for extremism. Notwithstanding these attempts to terrorize our community, our HBCUs remain unbroken and unbowed.
The actions of a misguided few will not deter our institutions from fulfilling their collective mission to educate our nation's next generation of teachers, entrepreneurs and leaders. We are hopeful that congressional, state, community and philanthropic leaders will join with us and offer the support that is needed for us to offer our students the sense of security needed as we move forward with the same sense of resilience we have shown since the founding of the first HBCU in 1837.
Reflecting on these incidents, we are reminded of the words of the late Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, which still are instructive today:
``I wish I could say that racism and prejudice were only distant memories. We must dissent from the indifference. We must dissent from the apathy. We must dissent from indifference. We must dissent from the apathy. We must dissent from the fear, the hatred and the mistrust . . . We must dissent because America can do better, because America has no choice but to do better. Dr. Harry L. Williams,
President & CEO, Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF). Dr. Michael L. Lomax,
President & CEO, United Negro College Fund (UNCF).
____
National Association For Equal Opportunity In Higher
Education,
Washington, DC, February 5, 2022. RE Bomb Threats on HBCU Campuses, Congressional Resolution
Condemning Violence on HBCU Campuses & Related Matters. Hon. Alma Adams (NC-12) Co-Chair, Congressional HBCU Bipartisan Caucus. Hon. Chris Coons, CH-Chair, Congressional HBCU Bipartisan Caucus. Hon. French Hill (AR-02), Co-Chair, Congressional HBCU Bipartisan Caucus. Hon. Tim Scott, CO-Chair, Congressional HBCU Bipartisan Caucus.
Dear Congressional Bipartisan HBCU Caucus Co-Chairs Adams, Hill, Coons and Scott: I am writing in my capacity as President & CEO of the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO), which, as you know, is the nation's only 501 (c) (3) membership and advocacy association for all HBCUs and PBIs. I am joined by Attorney John Pierre, Chancellor of the Southern University Law Center, and Chair of the NAFEO Presidential Policy, Advocacy
& Legal Advisory Board. We are writing to express our profound gratitude for your leadership of the Congressional Bipartisan HBCU Caucus, which, along with support from other congressional leaders, members of the Congressional Black Caucus, bipartisan support from other Members of Congress, and leadership from the Administration, yielded more than
$5.8 billion for HBCUs, their students, families, faculty, staff, infrastructure, and service communities. This represents a greater federal investment in HBCUs than any time in the Nation's history. It was a substantial down- payment on closing the gulf between public and private investments in HBCUs as compared with their historically White college and university counterparts, relative to their missions and student outcomes.
We are writing at this time to let you that our members are poised to do whatever is required to assist you and your colleagues in moving the Nation closer toward closing the HBCU/HWCU funding gap and building a stronger, peaceful, equitable, just America.
We are concerned that the recent bomb threats on HBCU campuses, must be taken seriously. Consideration must be given to Congress requesting that Homeland Security, the FBI, Department of Justice, and the Department of Education, repurpose some of their existing funds to provide HBCUs additional resources, immediately, with which to provide the training and infrastructure they need to ensure the safety of their campus community, and their service communities. Additionally, where, as in the case of Homeland Security, a federal department or agency is poised to make grant funds available in the spring, that could be used to better prepare the campuses for any possible assault with a clear plan, based on the most promising practices, while moving everyone on the campuses and in their service communities out of harm's way, consideration should be given to making the funds available now.
We believe we must act immediately on the assumption that the perpetrators may make good on some of the threats because: (1) The perpetrators of the bomb threats have not been publicly identified; (2) The institutional targets are moving; (3) The threats are coming: (a) amid heightened incendiary racist rhetoric, and unabated race-based assaults;
(b) amid increased state actions to suppress the Black & Hispanic vote; (c) amid efforts to trammel the First Amendment rights of professors who want to include in curricula a comprehensive examination of America's past and present, including discussions about Blacks in America; (d) as polls show that many disaffected Whites believe their plight is due to Blacks in America gaining ``too much,'' although the December jobs reports demonstrate that the unemployment rate for White people dropped (3.2 percent), Asian Americans (3.8 percent), and Latino/Hispanic people
(4.9 percent), while the unemployment rate for Blacks increased from 6.5 percent to 7.1 percent, demonstrating the entrenched, intractable and growing racial employment gap, especially for Black women;
In spite of their perception, the Black-White gaps in education, employment, salaries, wealth, health, sustainability, and justice persist. (e) The bomb threats on HBCU campuses coincide with reports documenting the billions of dollars that HBCUs have been denied to which they are entitled, highlighting the tremendous disparities between funds for the historically White land-grant institutions
(1862s) and the historically Black land-grant institutions
(1890s), and the failure of many states to provide the congressionally mandated one-to-one match funding for 1890 land-grant universities; (f) The bomb threats on HBCU campuses are occurring as reports indicate the January 6th Congressional Commission is unearthing information that may result in exposure of the masterminds.
The HBCU Community thanks you for your leadership in calling for a Congressional Resolution condemning the bomb threats against HBCUs and denouncing violence, supporting peace, tolerance, and ecumenism. The HBCUs have a rich and cherished history of leading in teaching about civility, combatting violence by highlighting the oneness of humankind, respect for our pluralism, and teaching the imperatives of love, mercy, justice, and for a peaceful coexistence in our pluralistic nation. We stand ready to engage our members in educating their Members about the importance of your resolution especially during such times as these.
With thanksgiving,
Lezli Baskerville,
President & CEO.
John Pierre,
Chancellor,
Southern University Law Center Chair, NAFEO Presidential Policy Advocacy & Legal Advisory Board.
____
Alabama Agricultural and
Mechanical University,
Normal, AL, February 7, 2022. Hon. Alma Adams, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
Dear Congresswoman Adams: Approximately around 2:30 a.m. on Monday, January 31, 2022, law enforcement officials at historic Alabama A&M University received notice that the campus was the target of a bomb threat and indicating the quadrants that would be impacted by the device. Thanks to the immediate actions of our campus police and its continuing partnership with the Huntsville Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the University received an
``all clear'' to resume operations prior to the start of the business day.
While this designation was a relief, the chronicled and persistent threats on all fronts to historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) must be taken seriously. While representing a small percentage of America's vast higher learning system, HBCUs' role over more than a century has been nothing short of phenomenal. Thus, we wholeheartedly support the resolution led by you and Congressman French Hill outright condemning these persistent acts of domestic terrorism. Our HBCUs have proven their merit by making the American Dream accessible to thousands. We must do everything in our power to ensure their continued existence.
Thank you for your ongoing leadership and work in Congress and for your and your colleagues' adamant stand for one of our nation's greatest resources, our HBCUs.
Sincerely,
Daniel K. Wims, Ph.D., President.
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The Executive Leadership Council's Statement in Response to Recent
Threats of Racial Violence at HBCUs Across the Nation
Washington, DC (February 8, 2022)--The right to an education is one of our nation's greatest freedoms. George Washington Carver, renowned scientist, and professor at Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University) once said,
``Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom to our people.''
Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are some of the nation's most enduring symbols of what can be achieved when a people are determined to prosper. For decades, HBCU's have faced threats of racial violence. These threats are violent attempts to keep Black people from receiving educations that ultimately unlock economic opportunity in America.
The Executive Leadership Council (ELC) issued the following statement in response to the recent bomb threats targeted at HBCUs across the country.
Please see our statement, below:
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are essential to the American story.
Since their inception, HBCUs have educated and trained America's most brilliant Black scholars, doctors, lawyers, and a myriad of other professionals--from the first Black Supreme Court Justice of the United States Thurgood Marshall to Kamala Harris, the first woman elected Vice President of the United States. HBCUs have made a tremendous impact on American progress.
However, despite their rich history, HBCUs are historically underfunded and often subject to threats of racial violence. The recent bomb threats at HBCU's nationwide are particularly disturbing. Our students deserve to feel safe on campus.
We applaud the administration's swift response but recognize that distractions like this only deepen the chasm between HBCU students and their counterparts at universities that do not face continuous instructional disruptions. These threats are as material as they are symbolic and we, the members of The Executive Leadership Council (ELC), take them very seriously.
The ELC is the preeminent global membership organization for Black current and former CEOs, senior executives. and board members of Fortune 1000 and equivalent companies. We advocate for advancing Black leadership by increasing the number of Black corporate CEOs, C-Suite executives, and board members, as well as building a pipeline for the next generation of Black corporate leaders. HBCU graduates account for a significant number of the Black talent pipeline for the public and private sectors--HBCU students are the nation's workforce of the future.
If our nation seeks to continue cultivating diverse talent and reaping the proven results of inclusive leadership--it is imperative that we prioritize investing in these historic institutions and the overall safety of their students. We hope Congress and the Biden-Harris Administration will continue to support thoughtful legislation that serves to protect these institutions and will work to pass the HBCU Ignite for Excellence Act, which provides needed federal investment for these institutions that mean so much to America and her continued success.
Ms. ADAMS. I thank Chairman Scott for his courageous leadership and support of our schools.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my resolution (H. Con. Res. 70), which condemns the recent despicable, cowardly bomb threats to more than 30 historically Black colleges and universities. These were hate crimes, acts of terror.
As a proud two-time HBCU alumna of North Carolina A&T State University, a retired professor of 40 years at Bennett College in Greensboro, and now a representative of Johnson C. Smith University in my district, I know HBCUs can overcome any challenge, but those challenges should not include terrorism or racism.
The congressional response from my colleagues to these threats has been robust. We came together to call for swift action from Federal law enforcement.
The threats were quickly addressed by members of Federal, State, and local law enforcement. Thanks to the Department of Justice and its agencies for working swiftly in this regard.
My thanks as well to Chairman Scott, whose leadership has resulted in more than $6.5 billion in funding to HBCUs, more funding than the last 10 years combined.
Our HBCUs, their faculty, their staff, and especially their students are strong. They are resilient. They are brilliant paragons of academic excellence. But they shouldn't have to respond to threats and secure their campuses on shoestring budgets.
While today's resolution rightly condemns these cowardly acts of violence against our hallowed institutions, Congress must continue to respond with action and legislation.
Finally, I want to address the perpetrators of these crimes. I am praying that the hate that inspired these acts leaves your heart forever, that you take a moment and imagine yourself in different circumstances.
Imagine growing up on the ghetto streets of Newark, New Jersey, your mom cleaning houses to make ends meet. You save every penny to go to college because the most important people in your life have taught you the value of education.
You make it to an HBCU, becoming the first member of your family to go to college. It is a big responsibility. Because HBCUs are special places, especially for Black Americans, they invest in you. They lift you up. They help you succeed in ways you never thought possible. They take you from cleaning houses with your mom to serving in the U.S. House.
Similar experiences are shared by millions, and that is what you attacked when you threatened our HBCUs. That is what you deemed worthy of hate and violence. And that is why Congress must condemn these actions.
Mr. Speaker, I move that we pass this resolution, and I ask all of my colleagues to support it.
Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time from Members who are present. I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Education and Labor Committee, I have learned about the ways in which HBCUs serve our country's students and postsecondary education community. For decades, HBCUs have provided countless opportunities for men and women to achieve their goals, whether academic, professional, or personal.
Threats of violence against HBCUs are despicable and cowardly. We fully and unequivocally condemn these acts of hate. They have no place in our country.
HBCUs deserve to be celebrated, not threatened. That is why I am voting in favor of H. Con. Res. 70, and I urge all of my colleagues to do the same.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, as many of our colleagues have stated, HBCUs play an invaluable role in our higher education system and in our communities.
Despite facing chronic underfunding in the past, and disproportionately suffering from the pandemic, these institutions have persevered to open the door to higher-quality higher education for generations of students over the years.
However, we cannot expect these institutions to maintain their legacy of expanding access to education when their basic safety and security continue to be threatened.
Each of us has the responsibility to condemn these recent threats of violence against HBCUs and reaffirm our support for HBCU students, staff, and communities.
Moving forward, we must also build on the historic relief funding that Congress has provided for these critical institutions and secure the resources they need to recover from the pandemic and prepare students for their success.
I thank the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill) and, the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Adams) for their leadership with the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus--particularly Ms. Adams--for her extraordinary leadership over the years with the caucus and her leadership in sponsoring this resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge my colleagues to vote for this resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House Concurrent Resolution 70, which condemns any and all threats of violence against HBCUs and expresses our support for their staff, faculty, and students.
Over the past few weeks, several HBCUs across the country were subjected to anonymous, unacceptable threats of violence on their campuses. These threats disrupted campus, obstructed classes, and struck fear into the HBCU community.
HBCUs were originally established to offer Black students an equal opportunity for higher education, free from racial discrimination and intimidation. Now, these institutions offer among the most competitive educations in the country and have produced some of our brightest leaders. This growth is certainly a sign of progress--but the prevalence of these threats is a solemn reminder that we still have work to do.
Mr. Speaker, I would urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill.
Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Bipartisan Congressional HBCU Caucus and an original co-sponsor, I rise in strong support of 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.
I thank Congresswoman Alma Adams and Congressman French Hill, the co-
chairs of the HBCU Caucus, for their work in bringing this important legislation to the floor.
A high-quality education is central to economic prosperity and social well-being in the United States and HBCUs provide educational and economic opportunities for postsecondary students.
As early as the 19th century, HBCUs were established in response to discriminatory practices that excluded Black Americans from pursuing an education in the United States.
HBCUs educate and produce a significant share of the Nation's Black leaders and innovators.
On January 5, 2022, at least 8 HBCUs received bomb threats, including Howard University, Xavier University, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Prairie View A&M University, North Carolina Central University, Florida Memorial University, Norfolk State University, and Spelman College.
On January 31, 2022, at least 6 HBCUs received bomb threats, including Southern University and A&M, Howard University, Bethune-
Cookman University, Albany State University, Bowie State University, and Delaware State University.
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.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the bomb threats made in January and February 2022 against HBCUs as racially or ethnically motivated violent extremism and hate crimes.
Mr. Speaker, I am proud that one of the greatest HBCUs in the country, Texas Southern University, is located in my congressional district.
Texas Southern University has a rich history with nine academic units, 1,000 dedicated staff members, and over 9,200 esteemed students.
Like most of my HBCU Caucus colleagues, I have worked closely with my local HBCU to provide funding and resources needed to enable them to fulfill their mission of educating the next generation of social engineers and conducting research programs addressing issues of major concern to the African American community.
As Chairwoman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection in the 111th Congress, I authored the legislation to establish a Transportation Security Center of Excellence at TSU and worked to help TSU secure $1.2 million in funding over four years from the Department of Homeland Security for this Center of Excellence.
One of my proudest accomplishments as a member of Congress is my success in working with federal officials in the Clinton Administration to settle the lawsuit against TSU that had been pending for more than 23 years.
I was proud to spearhead the initiative that brought more than $13 million in financial aid relief for the students and campus of Texas Southern University.
I also worked with TSU administrators to initiate digital archive projects to preserve the records of two of its most distinguished alumni, the legendary Barbara Jordan and Mickey Leland, both of whom preceded me as the Member of Congress for the Eighteenth Congressional District of Texas.
I was pleased to facilitate a partnership between Comcast and TSU's School of Communication to provide' scholarships and internships to TSU students and in-kind marketing services to the university.
I helped secure funding needed to establish the Center for Transportation, Training and Research in the TSU College of Science, Engineering, and Technology.
HBCU's have played a critical role in American history.
As the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stated:
``The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character--that is the goal of true education.''
HBCUs do not just educate--HBCUs have and will continue to fill an important role in education opportunity and engagement for millions of young people from diverse backgrounds.
I ask my colleagues to joining me in voting to pass H. Con. Res. 70, condemning threats of violence against one of the nation's greatest resources, historically black colleges and universities.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott) that the House suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 70, as amended.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to section 3(s) of House Resolution 8, the yeas and nays are ordered.
Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this motion are postponed.
____________________
SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 41
The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
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