Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Lucy McBath and U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff sent a letter to the Department of Justice and FBI requesting an update to Congress on the status of investigations into the recent threats against Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Since January of this year, HBCUs across the country have received over 55 threats. In Georgia, this includes Spelman College, Fort Valley State University, and Albany State University.

Both Senator Ossoff and Representative McBath serve on the Judiciary Committees of their respective chambers. McBath is an alumna of Virginia State University, the first fully supported, four-year institution for African Americans in the United States. 

In the letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland and FBI Director Christopher Wray, the Georgia members write: “Historically, African American institutions have been the victims of domestic threats, attacks, and terrorism at academic institutions, businesses, and places of worship. Given this unique history of violence and racism, we must do more to protect these historically Black institutions from the threat of future attacks.”

“Given these threats and their toll on the mental and physical health of students, we hope to better understand the whole of government response providing resources to these institutions to help protect, prevent, and prepare against future threats. We also want to ensure that the affected institutions are made aware of the status of the investigation and made aware of the resources available to prepare for future threats,” the Members continue. 

The members conclude, “students, employees, and worshippers deserve to feel safe, and we appreciate your efforts to ensure all Americans feel safe in their schools, at their workplaces, and in their houses of worship.”

The letter can be read here.