Statement on Bomb Threat at Elizabeth City State University

A message to Niner Nation from Dr. Brandon Wolfe
Friday, February 25, 2022

Dear Niner Nation,

Last Friday, students and employees at Elizabeth City State University evacuated their offices, classes, and dorms in response to a campus bomb threat. According to the FBI, at least 57 of these incidents were committed against Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other academic and faith-based institutions since January of 2022.

While it is important to note that no explosive devices have been found and these matters are currently under investigation by the FBI Joint Terrorism Taskforce, it does not minimize the sting and historic reminder of racialized trauma against Black communities. For decades, Black institutions have been antagonized by violence and the threat of violence as a strategy to disrupt and deter progress in education, civic engagement, and social mobility. For decades, these same Black institutions have continued to forge ahead in their legacy of graduating students who would become politicians, CEOs, Olympians, attorneys, physician-scientists, educators, and leaders across every field of human endeavor.

To echo the words of our UNC System President Peter Hans, “We will not be intimidated by these threats.” Therefore, as a growing university community, we stand alongside our HBCUs throughout North Carolina and the United States. These attacks will not divide us. These attacks will not stop us. We will continue to empower, uplift, and fight alongside one another to validate the ideas of our nation’s promises for this generation and the many to follow.

Sincerely,

Brandon Wolfe
Associate Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Chief Diversity Officer