Fayetteville, N.C. – Fayetteville State University lifted a campus lockdown Thursday morning after police responded to reports of a possible active shooter near the HBCU. Officials confirmed that the “all clear” was issued shortly before noon, ending hours of confusion and concern among students, faculty, and families. The alert was first sent around 9 a.m. as the university urged everyone on campus to shelter in place while authorities investigated a potential threat. Police quickly surrounded the area as students shared real-time updates on social media from classrooms and dorms. “We were just hoping it wasn’t real,” one student posted on X, describing the panic as sirens echoed across campus. By late morning, Fayetteville State University confirmed that the situation was under control and no injuries were reported. “The campus has been cleared,” the university said in a statement, thanking Fayetteville Police for their rapid response and confirming that normal operations had resumed.
A History of Threats at HBCUs
The lockdown comes amid a disturbing pattern of security threats at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Just last month, Fayetteville State was among a group of HBCUs—including Alabama State University, Hampton University, Southern University, and Clark Atlanta University—that received terroristic threats, forcing temporary campus closures and triggering heightened police presence. While none of those threats resulted in violence, the repeated disruptions have left many questioning whether HBCUs are receiving enough federal support to combat what some call targeted harassment of Black colleges. “Every time one of these incidents happens, it reopens trauma for students and staff,” said an FSU alum on Instagram. “We deserve the same level of protection and resources as any other major university.”
Community Reaction and Calls for Change
Thursday’s incident reignited national discussion around campus safety at HBCUs and the need for stronger communication systems. Advocates and alumni across the country have called on state and federal officials to invest in emergency technology and crisis training for smaller institutions. The HBCU community has faced several bomb threats and security scares since 2022, many of which were investigated by the FBI. Even though most were found to be hoaxes, they created real fear and disrupted the academic lives of thousands of students. “The mental health toll is heavy,” said one Fayetteville State student. “Even when the alerts end, that anxiety doesn’t go away.”
Looking Ahead at Fayetteville State
University officials say they will review the response to ensure future alerts are even faster and clearer. FSU administrators praised students for following safety protocols and thanked local law enforcement for their partnership. “We understand how distressing this morning’s event was for our community,” the school said in an official message. “Our top priority will always be the safety of our students, faculty, and staff.” As FSU returns to normal, the incident serves as another reminder that HBCUs, despite being centers of excellence and resilience, are not immune to the nationwide crisis of campus violence. For Fayetteville State and other institutions across North Carolina, the conversation now shifts from emergency response to long-term prevention. Whether through additional funding, policy changes, or shared safety networks among North Carolina HBCUs, many believe it’s time to take proactive steps before the next alarm sounds.