Statement On the Racist Incidents at HBCUs

President Laurie Patton sent the following message in an email to the Middlebury community on February 8, 2022.

Dear Middlebury Community,

Over the past week, as Black History Month was beginning, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across the country were terrorized by a series of bomb threats in a coordinated attack. Middlebury names these incidents as racist violence, and we join the students, faculty, and staff of these institutions in condemning these acts of hatred that seek to undermine the safety and freedom of those whose sole purpose is to learn. HBCUs have educated and continue to educate our nation’s leaders. They are deep sources of knowledge and wisdom, and a refuge from the systemic racism that confronts members of our Black community in this country every day.

No one should ever have their education interrupted by violence. In condemning these acts, Middlebury aims to build a vibrant, inclusive future where such violence is unthinkable in any house of learning. Our common educational purpose is deepened by the work our institutions can do together to end oppression against minoritized groups, creating equitable and just communities where people can gather and learn without fear.

Laurie L. Patton
President