Keeping our HBCUs safe
By Dr. Everette B. Penn
JA Guest Writer
Each year parents place their faith in the colleges and universities, as well as their children, to make decisions to keep safe while at communities of higher learning.
As a new academic year begins at colleges and universities across the United States, we are again reminded of the dangers plaguing our centers of learning.
Last fall, several campuses were locked down, injuries and even deaths occurred at these august centers of higher education.
On August 15, 2026, as Virginia State University welcomed nearly 1,500 new students, the campus was locked down after a shooting near student housing left five people injured.
The Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Criminal Justice Collective (HBCU CJ Collective) was founded in 2025 in Jackson, Mississippi. Its purpose is to advance students, faculty and communities in and around HBCUs in areas related to criminal justice.
Last year, in conjunction with faculty and staff at Jackson State University, the HBCU CJ Collective sponsored A Night of No Violence during the Labor Day weekend Battle of the Bands event. A safety campaign, collaboration with police, university, and Jackson officials led to a reduction in violence during the weekend and reduced the social distance between police and the community.
During the summer, on the campus of Albany State University during the HBCU Law Enforcement Executive Administrators conference, the HBCU CJ Collective presented research to HBCU chiefs about the views and concerns students have raised as they relate to campus security. Most importantly, the students provided suggestions to improve campus security at their campus. A panel discussion was held with campus students and officials, as they conveyed the challenges faced on campuses, especially during large events such as move-in and homecoming.
What is clear is that security, well-being, and quality of life are concerns being addressed at HBCU campuses. What is constant is that police cannot keep our campuses safe without the cooperation of the students, staff, faculty, and the greater community.
Elements of community policing are tenants of effective policing on college and university campuses. Three points to keep in mind. 1) Follow the directions provided by the police. There is a reason for their actions as they provide the safety for the campus. 2) See something: Say something is not just colloquialism but a truth to provide effective policing. 3) Be intentional about who you invite on campus.
The college and university campus is a village. It is a community that depends on everyone to keep it safe.
Preventing crime on HBCU campuses begins with, but requires more than, conversations. Action plans must be developed. To this end, the HBCU CJ Collective will be hosting a webinar with HBCU police chiefs on September 28, 2026. Registration information will be available on the HBCU CJ Collective website (https://www.hbcucjcollective.org) starting September 1st.
Publisher’s Note: Dr. Everette B. Penn is the Executive Director of the HBCU CJ Collective.
