NACE Calls on U.S. Congress to Investigate and Address Threats to HBCUs

February 2022

The National Association of Colleges and Employers joined with more than 50 higher education associations in calling on the U.S. Congress to take immediate action to investigate and address the threats made to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Read the full letter

In a separate statement, Shawn VanDerziel, NACE executive director, and David Ong, 2021-22 NACE president, detail NACE’s position:

The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) believes in a world that is inclusive in approach and where equal opportunities and equitable outcomes exist for all. Central to this is our commitment to support the Black community and antiracism efforts. That is why we have signed onto a letter authored by the American Council of Education (ACE) to Congress to urge their immediate action related to recent bomb threats at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

HBCUs provide millions of students and graduates with the educational support and preparation to achieve their aspirations and dreams. No student, current or future, should have their education disrupted by threats or acts against their lives. The recent bomb threats against HBCUs are racially motivated with the goal of inciting terror in the lives of people who learn and work on HBCU campuses. These threats are both wrong and unacceptable. Past and current threats need to be investigated and addressed swiftly, and there must be severe consequences for those responsible. As a nation, we need to root out the evil that exists so that it doesn’t occur again.

Through our work at NACE, we will do our part to demonstrate to the world that together we can make a difference to moving toward a more inclusive and equitable world. We want our colleagues at HBCUs and their students and graduates to know that we are dedicated to being a part of the solution.

Shawn VanDerziel
NACE Executive Director

Dave Ong
2021-22 NACE President