The arrest of a suspect in the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk comes as the nation grapples with a wave of grief, anger, and fear — emotions that have spilled into real-world consequences for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

In the days following Kirk's death, threats circulated online targeting HBCUs across the country. While the FBI later determined those threats were not credible, they still led to lockdowns, class cancellations, and heightened security measures on multiple campuses.

Paul Quinn College, a Dallas-based HBCU, told reporters it is "monitoring these developing situations closely" and remains aware of the national climate.

Online rhetoric fuels real-world fear

Kirk's murder sparked intense reactions online, including violent rhetoric and

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