Bethune-Cookman University Locks Down Campus After Potential Threat

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Bethune-Cookman University canceled all classes and ordered students to shelter in place Thursday afternoon after receiving a “potential threat to campus safety,” university officials announced at 12:25 p.m.

Nut Graf The precautionary lockdown follows similar security alerts at other Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across the South amid unverified threat reports. University leaders have emphasized collaboration with law enforcement and prioritized transparent communication to keep the campus community informed and protected.

Campus Lockdown and Response

  • All classes suspended; faculty and staff directed to work remotely or head home
  • Students instructed to return to dormitories and await further updates
  • Campus operations halted pending threat assessment by local authorities

Threat Background

Bethune-Cookman’s lockdown is part of a broader wave of precautionary closures at HBCUs this week, triggered after a high-profile shooting of a public figure spurred unsubstantiated threats to multiple campuses. Similar measures were enacted at Virginia State University, Hampton University and Southern University.

University Actions and Communication

University President Dr. E.J. Brooks issued a statement assuring the community that “safety remains our highest priority,” and pledged regular updates via the official university website and social media channels. Campus police are coordinating with the Daytona Beach Police Department and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to investigate the origin and credibility of the threat.

Student and Community Impact

The abrupt cancellation of classes has disrupted academic schedules and on-campus events, including today’s student decal distribution drive. Residents in nearby Daytona Beach reported increased security presence and temporary traffic reroutes around campus.

Next Steps

Campus officials will lift the lockdown once law enforcement clears the threat. Students and faculty are advised to monitor their university email and the B-CU campus alert system for real-time instructions.