Kean community on high alert after threats on Twitter

By: Jaime Alicea III | Published on Nov. 18, 2015

An anonymous Twitter account threatened to kill African American students at Kean and claimed that “theres a bomb” on campus after university police said students peacefully rallied last night.

The account is called @KeanUAgainstBlk.  About nine Twitter posts were made starting at about 10:30 p.m. last night, with some threatening to shoot black students. The first Tweet announced that the account was “for everyone who hates black people.”

Some Tweets were sent to Kean University’s account (@KeanUniversity), while others were sent to the Kean University Police Department (@KUpolice).

KUPD  noted that the threats came after a peaceful rally took place on campus last night which raised awareness of racial unrest on college campuses across the country, according to an email blast. They also stated that the Department of Homeland Security, state, county and local municipalities have been notified of the threats against Kean.

Students are conflicted as to whether or not they should attend classes. KUPD reminded students that class would be open today, but that they “respect” students’ judgement in deciding whether or not to come to campus.

“Security will remain at heightened levels today and throughout the rest of the week,” KUPD said in an email blast, adding, “We are profoundly troubled by this display of hatred which does not reflect in any way the values we hold sacred on our diverse campus.”

The following are phone numbers which can be used to report suspicious activity on campus:

Emergencies: Dial 9-1-1

Department of Public Safety/Police: 908-737-4800 (on-campus extension: 7-4800)

Office of Facilities: 908-737-5000

Fire Safety: 908-737-4800

Further updates will be released as soon the story develops.  

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