Black Veterans Caucus of Common Defense Fiercely Condemns Threats Against HBCUs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 12, 2025
“Today, we stand on the frontlines again—this time in defense of our communities, our youth, and the institutions that have shaped generations of our leaders.“
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across the country received threats of violence and hate. These targeted threats forced lockdowns, shelter-in-place orders, and class cancellations at institutions such as Alabama State University, Virginia State University, Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University, Hampton University, Bethune-Cookman, and Southern University. For generations, HBCUs have been a bedrock of Black excellence, producing leaders, educators, organizers, and public servants. In response to these alarming threats, Vedia Barnett, an disabled Air Force veteran and Co-Chair of the Black Veterans Caucus of Common Defense released the following statement:
“The Black Veterans Caucus is appalled by this recent wave of threats against HBCUs. HBCUs are more than institutions of higher learning; they are safe havens of resilience, culture, and empowerment in the face of systemic racism. Attempts to disrupt them with fear and intimidation are not only unacceptable—they are attacks on the very fabric of democracy.
“As Black veterans, we know what it means to stand on the frontlines in defense of this country. Today, we stand on the frontlines again—this time in defense of our communities, our youth, and the institutions that have shaped generations of our leaders. These threats are part of a broader effort to silence Black voices and erase Black contributions to this nation. We’ve seen this before: the same tactic hate groups used decades ago to terrorize our communities. It didn’t work then, and it won’t work now. We refuse to give into this kind of hate or let history repeat itself.
“We call on the Department of Justice, FBI, and all relevant authorities to treat these incidents with the seriousness they demand. At the same time, we urge elected officials and allies to stand in solidarity with HBCU students, faculty, and alumni. Protecting these institutions means protecting the future of Black leadership in America.
“The Black Veterans Caucus of Common Defense will continue to mobilize, advocate, and fight for the safety and recognition of our people. We will not be silenced, and we will not allow fear to undermine our progress. Most importantly, we will not back down from the fight for our futures or our safety.
“We are proud. We are strong. We will not be silenced.”
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Common Defense Education Fund (501c3) (CDEF) is a grassroots, veteran-led organization dedicated to empowering U.S. military veterans through nonpartisan education, training, and organizing. CDEF focuses on voter education, combating voter suppression, and nonpartisan get-out-the-vote initiatives in targeted states and districts, ensuring veterans continue their legacy of service by defending democracy and justice.