Shelter-In-Place at CAU

Graphic by Kara Brezzell (@kaalexiis)

ATLANTA, GA 

On September 11th at 11:38 a.m., Clark Atlanta University students and faculty received a shelter-in-place email from the university. The university’s police, as well as the Atlanta Police Department, mobilized across the campus and prevented people from exiting buildings. Students and faculty speculated whether there was imminent danger on campus or whether threats to the university prompted the shelter-in-place order. At 1:27 p.m., a second email was sent stating that the shelter-in-place order was still in effect. 

The faculty, staff, and students voiced concerns about the threats happening not just at CAU, but at otherHistorically Black Colleges and Universities, enacting lockdowns and shelter-in-place orders also. Among these schools were Hampton University, Virginia State University, and Southern University and A&M College. Much speculation about the cause of the widespread commotion included the murder of Charlie Kirk, a conservative and controversial right-wing activist, the day prior, on September 10th. Some students and faculty speculated that the threats being made to HBCUs around the country were a result of the uproar surrounding Charlie Kirk’s death. While his followers mourned his death, people with opposing political views argued that his stances on issues such as gun control and the criminal justice system were regressive and dangerous. 

The shelter-in-place on CAU’s campus was lifted at 1:30 p.m., after 1 hour and 52 minutes since the order went into effect. Walking out of the buildings, men in camouflage uniforms with large artillery could be seen standing on the promenade as students and faculty began leaving the buildings. Though CAU continued campus activities after the shelter-in-place order was lifted, some HBCUs that had gone on lockdown canceled classes for the remainder of the week.  

For students, this experience was overwhelming and tense. A Clark Atlanta University freshman stated, “I was walking to class when I got the shelter in place email, and I wasn’t sure where to go, which made me scared.” Another student said, “I liked that we continued to get updates from our teachers as well as emails from the university...”

Situations like this highlight the impact of a turbulent political environment on Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Although this situation was unsettling for those on CAU’s campus, this event demonstrated the safety protocols the university has in place. Not only to protect the campus but also the surrounding communities, such as Vine City and the West End.

Clark Atlanta University’s motto, “we find a way or make one,” was evident in the university’s swift response and its commitment to the safety of students, faculty, and visitors alike.