Two Virginia HBCUs—Virginia State University and Hampton University—took swift action this week to protect students, faculty, and staff after receiving threats that forced temporary shutdowns of campus operations. The incident, which unfolded on Thursday, September 11, 2025, underscores the ongoing challenges HBCUs face in maintaining both safety and peace of mind for their communities.
Virginia State University Responds Immediately
At Virginia State University, leadership acted quickly, announcing a complete campus closure while law enforcement investigated. Students, faculty, and staff were urged to monitor official communications for updates. While details of the threat remain limited, the university emphasized its top priority: ensuring the safety of everyone connected to the VSU community.
By pausing operations and working directly with law enforcement, VSU reinforced its commitment to transparency and vigilance during crises.
Hampton University Suspends Operations for Two Days
Hampton University also issued a decisive response, suspending all non-essential operations for September 11 and 12. Classes, athletic activities, and on-campus events were canceled, and off-campus students were directed not to return until further notice.
Hampton leadership asked non-essential faculty and staff to leave campus, while students residing on campus were strongly encouraged to remain in place unless absolutely necessary. The university bolstered its police presence and reminded students and staff to practice awareness, urging the community to follow the “if you see something, say something” approach.
Prioritizing Safety in Uncertain Times
Both institutions made it clear that safety was the guiding principle behind their decisions. By prioritizing security over disruption, Hampton and VSU joined a growing list of HBCUs across the country that have faced similar challenges in recent years. These decisions highlight a tough reality: HBCUs often sit at the intersection of national issues around campus safety, under-resourced security infrastructure, and the broader cultural significance they carry.
The swift action taken by Virginia’s HBCUs shows not only the seriousness with which they address potential threats but also the evolving nature of crisis preparedness at these institutions.
The Bigger Picture for HBCUs
Threats like these extend far beyond a temporary suspension of operations—they impact student mental health, institutional trust, and the overall campus experience. HBCUs, often celebrated as safe havens of culture, education, and empowerment, are now being forced to navigate heightened security concerns alongside their academic missions.
Still, the resilience of these communities cannot be overstated. By reacting decisively, Virginia State and Hampton are reminding students and families that their safety comes first. The transparency in communication, coupled with the willingness to disrupt normalcy for the greater good, sets a standard for how HBCUs can respond to crises while protecting their legacy and their people.
What Comes Next
As investigations continue, the most pressing questions are whether the threats were credible, when full operations will resume, and how universities will address the emotional toll on their students. Counseling resources, safety forums, and increased security presence are all measures likely to follow.
For students, faculty, and alumni, the moment is also a reminder of the unique challenges facing HBCUs and the importance of strong crisis communication and community support.