FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – February 2, 2022
Media Contact
Rich Robinson, rrobinson@fairelectionscenter.org
Today, Dylan Sellers, National HBCU Manager of Fair Elections Center’s Campus Vote Project, issued the following statement after more than a dozen historically Black colleges and universities reported bomb threats on Tuesday:
“The ongoing threats to HBCUs are a horrific display of deep-seated racism and hatred across our country. HBCU campuses have faced direct, targeted threats since the beginning of January, and it’s especially egregious to see this drastic, coordinated increase in threats on the first day of Black History Month.
Throughout history, Black Americans—particularly students at HBCUs—have always been at the forefront of our nation’s fight for civil rights and voting rights. This month is meant to be a period for reflecting on their tireless efforts and historic achievements in advancing freedom for all Americans. These threats cannot, and will not, cause today’s young Black Americans to waver in their dedication to advancing social justice nationwide.
Every student deserves to learn without the threat of racist violence. We stand in solidarity with administrators at HBCUs across the country, who refuse to be swayed by these anti-American attacks and who will continue to provide young Americans with strong and empowering educations. As we unequivocally condemn these appalling attacks, we are thinking of our own Democracy fellows, and all students, on HBCU campuses at this time.”
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Fair Elections Center’s Campus Vote Project works with universities, community colleges, faculty, students and election officials to reduce barriers to student voting and help campuses institutionalize reforms that empower students with the information they need to register and vote.