USMAI Issues Statement on Recent Bomb Threats Against Historically Black Colleges and Universities

From the University System of Maryland and Affiliated Institutions (USMAI):

The member libraries of the University System of Maryland and Affiliated Institutions (USMAI) Library Consortium strongly condemn the recent bomb threats against Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), including three of our own members—Bowie State University, Coppin State University, and Morgan State University. Such crimes are intended to intimidate, instill fear, and inspire chaos and have no place in a just, moral, and democratic society. They also highlight the importance of working towards racial justice and healing.

As Jay Perman, Chancellor of the University System of Maryland, stated, “If the intent of these threats was to restrict access to our historically Black institutions—to restrict access to higher education itself—it will fail.  If it was meant to sow division, it will fail.  If it was meant to terrorize students and communities of color, it will fail. Because we will work even harder to make sure our HBCUs, and everyone they serve, feel the full weight of our protection and support.”

Our libraries strive to promote reasoned and informed dialogue and research as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion for all through our collections and services.  We extend to all HBCUs and especially our HBCU members our admiration, respect, and gratitude for all that they do and offer our support in these troubling times.

See Chancellor Perman’s full statement here.

See Also: ALA, ACRL Issue Joint Statement in Support of HBCUs After Recent Bomb Threats (February 10, 2022)

See Also: Association of Research Libraries (ARL) Releases Statement on Violent Threats Against HBCUs (February 4, 2022)

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