Representative Fentrice Driskell (D-Tampa) responds to bomb threats at HBCUs across the nation.
“At least 14 Historically Black Colleges and Universities across the country including two in Florida have been the subject of bomb threats over the past few days, causing the universities to go into lockdown to ensure the safety of students, faculty and staff.
I don’t have words strong enough to condemn those who threaten the lives of people on HBCU campuses because of their race. HBCUs are the cornerstone of Black academia. They provide a pathway to higher education for Black students. They preserve Black history and culture for our larger society.
Our leaders in law enforcement and government must do everything possible to maintain the safety of HBCUs in Florida. Instead of protecting students from pre-K to college, some legislators are trying to make Floridians afraid to talk about the history of Black Americans in our public schools. This is simply wrong. These bomb threats are actually proof that we need to accurately teach and discuss our collective American history in our schools.
Everyone at our HBCUs deserves the freedom to be healthy, prosperous, and safe as they pursue their education. We must remain focused and committed to providing our students with a safe environment to learn and grow,” said Representative Fentrice Driskell.
State Representative Fentrice Driskell represents Florida House District 63, which is located in Hillsborough County and includes the Tampa-area communities of Carrollwood, Lake Magdalene, Lutz, University, New Tampa, and Pebble Creek.