In Wake of Jacksonville Attacks, Historically Black Colleges Elevate Security Measures and Maintain Alertness

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Prior to the tragic killing of three African American individuals in Jacksonville, Florida, over the recent weekend, the assailant—a young white male with rifles adorned with swastika insignias—had parked in a lot at Edward Waters University and began donning tactical attire. Campus students promptly alerted authorities, leading a university police officer to confront the individual, who fled without identifying himself.

These recent attacks resurrect haunting recollections of Ax Handle Saturday, a notorious racially-motivated attack in the same city approximately six decades ago. On that occasion, a group of Ku Klux Klan members armed with ax handles pursued and assaulted 17-year-old Nat Glover, who was exiting his part-time dishwashing job at a local eatery.

Glover, an alumnus and former president of Edward Waters, expressed his sorrow at the unfolding events, including the appearance of the gunman at his alma mater—established in 1866 as the first historically Black college in Florida.

“The current climate is alarmingly racially charged,” Glover, who also once served as Jacksonville’s sheriff, stated. “The divisive narrative pitting communities against one another along racial lines is only escalating.”

Though the shootings transpired in a Dollar General store situated less than a mile from the university in the predominantly African American New Town community, the earlier appearance of the gunman at Edward Waters has reignited concerns about the safety of Black communities and the educational establishments that have traditionally served them.

In just the last year, the FBI launched investigations into bomb threats against over 20 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across multiple states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, and Mississippi.

In the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks, many academic institutions have heightened security measures, requiring identification for campus entry and increasing the presence of security personnel. For instance, Howard University recently received a $200,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Education to enhance security measures.

Earlier this week, FBI Director Christopher Wray, along with other agency officials and community leaders, convened a meeting to discuss the shootings, currently under investigation as hate crimes. Details of the meeting participants were not disclosed by the agency.

Although it remains uncertain whether Edward Waters was specifically targeted, university President Zachary Faison Jr. emphasized that the campus community is thankful that the security measures in place likely prevented the realization of the shooter’s suspected initial intentions.

Marc Morial, president of the National Urban League, noted that public places such as universities, places of worship, and grocery stores have historically been targeted for racially-motivated domestic terrorism. “The recent incidents should serve as a wake-up call for enhanced vigilance and strengthened security measures,” he said.

Echoing this sentiment, Glover urged that failing to ramp up security would be a gross oversight. During his tenure at Edward Waters from 2011 to 2018, Glover collaborated with Jacksonville Police to station a substation with officers on campus.

According to the HBCU Law Enforcement Executives and Administrators, most campus police at Black colleges are certified law enforcement agencies, complete with sworn officers who are state-certified.

Lt. Antonio Bailey, the officer who confronted the Jacksonville assailant, downplayed his heroic role. He credited the alert students for enabling him to take timely action, but expressed regret for not having enough authority to detain the individual.

Governor Ron DeSantis, who has been criticized for his divisive stances on race and social justice, denounced the shootings and pledged financial support for security at Edward Waters. However, State Rep. Angie Nixon argued that money alone cannot solve problems of systemic racial injustice.

DeSantis’s campaign defended his actions, asserting that the governor has unequivocally condemned the racially-charged murders.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Heightened Security at Historically Black Colleges

More about Heightened Security at Historically Black Colleges

• Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Security Concerns
• FBI Hate Crime Statistics
• Governor Ron DeSantis’ Stance on Racial Issues
• The History of Ax Handle Saturday
• Post 9/11 Campus Security Measures
• Howard University Security Funding
• National Urban League’s Take on Public Safety
• State Rep. Angie Nixon’s Statement on Racial Injustice
• Edward Waters University Campus Security Measures
• Racial Tensions in the United States