Courtesy of Bowie State University
Congressman Steny Hoyer and members of the United States Bomb Technician Association (USTBA) met with campus police officers and other leaders from Bowie State, Coppin State and Morgan State to discuss how the universities can prepare to address bomb threats.
USBTA works to research, test and train individuals how to properly identify and eliminate threats through education, training and networking using the latest emerging technologies. Hoyer said the organization can play a significant role in helping Bowie State and other HBCUs confront threats.
“Thousands of students who attend HBCUs across the nation need to be focused on earning their degrees and not on threats of racially motivated violence,” said Congressman Hoyer. “I am committed to facilitating greater partnership between federal government, law enforcement and university leadership to ensure HBCU staff, students and faculty can learn and work in a public environment.”
In 2022, HBCUs across the nation received bomb threats prompting Hoyer to encourage the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice to launch an investigation. Now he is advocating that BSU and other schools receive expert training. Bowie State president Aminta Breaux applauds Congressman Hoyer’s focus on public safety for HBCUs.
“Ensuring that our campus community is safe at all times is paramount,” said Dr. Aminta Breaux, president of Bowie State University. “I want to thank Congressman Hoyer for the unwavering support he has always provided to our HBCUs, and particularly for introducing Bowie State to the USBTA’s expert training program provided for our police officers and other staff.”
The USBTA has been facilitating bomb threat management courses with law enforcement in Maryland’s Fifth District and has adjusted the curriculum for college and university campus environments.
Bowie State will be the first HBCU in the nation to participate in the USTBA’s bomb training and testing initiative.
“We are excited about this opportunity to collaborate with our HBCU partners and to contribute to the improvement of safety and security on campuses within our communities,” said Sean Dennis, president of the United States Bomb Technician Association. “Let’s stand together in safeguarding our educational institutions and fostering a secure learning environment.
