Changes have arrived to a redesigned Causes: Check out new.causes.com!

Bills
| 3.23.22

Should Congress Condemn Violence & Threats Against HBCUs? (H. Con. Res. 70)

Do you support or oppose this bill?

What is H. Con. Res. 70?

(Updated March 18, 2022)

This concurrent resolution would condemn violence and threats of violence against historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). It would also reaffirm the federal government’s commitment to combating violence against HBCU students, faculty, and staff.

Additionally, this concurrent resolution would recognize Black History Month, which is February of each year.

As a concurrent resolution, this legislation is non-binding and wouldn’t advance to the president’s desk if it’s agreed to by Congress.

Argument in favor

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have been subject to numerous bomb threats thus far in 2022. These important avenues of advancement for Black Americans should be supported and protected by Congress; and this resolution is the first step toward doing so.

Argument opposed

This resolution fails to do anything to punish or dissuade threats against HBCUs. Rather than wasting its time on this resolution, Congress should take legislative action to protect HBCUs’ students and faculty.

Impact

HBCUs; HBCU students; HBCU faculty and staff; and the House.

Cost of H. Con. Res. 70

A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.

Additional Info

In-Depth: Sponsoring Rep. Alma Adams (D-NC), who is a co-chair of the Congressional Bipartisan HBCU Caucus, introduced this resolution to condemn threats of violence against Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and reaffirm support for these institutions and their students:

“HBCUs shouldn’t have to face the violence and terror my generation experienced during segregation. Terrorism and racism have no place on college campuses – or anywhere else. I also want to take this opportunity to address the perpetrators of these crimes. Just as I have prayed for our HBCUs, I am praying for you. I am praying that you learn from the pain you’ve caused. I am praying that the hate that inspired these acts leaves your heart forever. Like many others around the world, I owe our HBCUs a debt that can never be repaid. That is why I continue to pray for our institutions, and the souls of those who cannot or will not honor them. That is why we have come together as a Congress to introduce this resolution.”

Original cosponsor Rep. French Hill (R-AR) adds:

“The rise in bomb threats at HBCUs in central Arkansas and across the nation is concerning and I condemn the threats of violence at our nation’s HBCUs. I was proud to join my friend and fellow co-chair of the HBCU Caucus, Rep. Adams, in introducing H.Con.Res 70, which condemns the threats against our HBCUs and reaffirms our commitment to the students, faculty, and staff at these universities. HBCUs hold immense value in our communities, and I look forward to continuing to advocate for our HBCU community.”

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) released a joint statement with Rep. Adams and Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Chairwoman Joyce Beatty (D-OH) on February 1, 2022. In their statement, they expressed support for HBCUs and condemned bomb threats against them:

“The continued bomb threats against HBCUs are hate crimes that must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. This third round of bomb threats on Historically Black College and University campuses demands a swift response from federal and state law enforcement agencies. It is especially jarring that these threats come during Black History Month, when we not only celebrate the immense contributions of Black Americans, but also remember the violence so many had to endure to secure civil rights and voting rights.”

This legislation has 111 bipartisan House cosponsors, including 105 Democrats and six Republicans. Its Senate companion, sponsored by Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), has 41 bipartisan Senate cosponsors, including 21 Democrats, 19 Republicans, and one Independent. Neither resolution has received a vote.


Of Note: Since January 1, 2022, there have been bomb threats against at least 28 HBCUs. Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia has been threatened three times this year. Other HBCUs that have received bomb threats include North Carolina Central University (NCCU), Texas Southern University, Xavier University, Howard University, and Norfolk State University.


Media:

Summary by Lorelei Yang

(Photo Credit: iStockphoto.com / Ryan Herron)