51AV

The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed a resolution (H. Con. Res. 70) condemning the recent HBCU bomb threats, and a letter of support by 51AV A&M University (AAMU) President Daniel K. Wims has been included in the congressional record.

Congresswoman Alma Adams (D-NC-12), Congressman French Hill (R-AR-02), Chairman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA-03), and the Congressional Bipartisan HBCU Caucus celebrated the passage 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’m proud of the House for passing H. Con. Res. 70, a resolution that condemns the despicable, cowardly bomb threats to Historically Black Colleges and Universities on multiple days this year,” said Congresswoman Alma Adams, founder and co-chair of the Congressional Bipartisan HBCU Caucus. “These threats were hate crimes. They were acts of terror. As a proud HBCU alumnae and professor, I know HBCUs can overcome any challenge, but those challenges shouldn’t include violence. Terrorism and racism have no place on college campuses – or anywhere else.”

Dr. Adams received AAMU’s honorary Doctor of Public Service diploma during the Spring 2021 commencement program in Huntsville, where she also delivered the address to graduates.

“Historically Black Colleges and Universities are an integral part of our nation’s education system and our history. Despicable threats of violence, including the string of bomb threats targeting HBCUs earlier this year, are completely unacceptable,” said Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL-07), vice chair of the HBCU Caucus. “As Vice Chair of the Congressional HBCU Caucus whose district is home to some of the most prominent HBCUs in the nation, I condemn these threats in the strongest terms. I applaud my colleague, Congresswoman Adams, for introducing this resolution which makes clear that the United States Congress is committed to fostering safe environments at HBCUs so that our students can thrive without fear of violence and terror.”

“We wholeheartedly support the resolution led by you and Congressman French Hill outright condemning these persistent acts of domestic terrorism,” wrote AAMU President Wims to Congresswoman Adams on February 7. “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.”

“Passing this resolution was essential as far as UNCF (United Negro College Fund) is concerned,” said Dr. Michael L. Lomax, president/CEO of UNCF. “The disruption, anguish, and acts of terror that more than one-third of all HBCUs have experienced in January and February of this year are unacceptable. While we are glad Rep. Adams and others were able to pass this resolution in an overwhelmingly bipartisan manner, we are still waiting for the perpetrators of these hate crimes to be brought to justice.”

"We thank Congresswoman Adams for leading the way and shepherding H. Con. Res. 70, a resolution that condemns the recent terroristic threats to HBCUs across the county," said Harry L. Williams, president and CEO of the AAMU-affiliated Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF). "This resolution symbolizes Congress saying with one voice that hatred and threats of violence will not be tolerated.  We continue to anticipate and expect that the Justice Department will prosecute the individuals responsible for these heinous acts to the fullest extent of their authority and we look forward to the swift conclusion of this matter."