In response to the Harris-Walz campaign’s decision to host their election night event at Vice President Kamala Harris’ alma mater, enhanced security measures have been taken around campus.
President Ben Vinson III said in a Nov. 3 email that the administration is aware that for faculty, students and staff, “deep concerns exist about safety stemming from the nature of this highly charged election season.” These concerns follow a string of events over the years, including multiple bomb threats on Howard’s campus and attempted assassinations on Vice President Kamala Harris’ opponent, former President Donald Trump.
In an email on the same day, Marcus Lyles, chief of police for public safety and emergency management, and Cynthia Evers, senior vice president for student affairs, said the university coordinated with local law enforcement and federal agencies to provide security measures necessary for the “high profile” event. Such measures include enhanced surveillance and crowd management strategies, vehicular road closures, controlled access points and rapid response.
They also said there will be uniformed and undercover officers at various points on campus, along with controlled access points and surveillance. Lyles and Evers said they plan to allocate additional resources to residence halls and facilities often used during this time.
Vinson revealed in a Nov. 1 email that spaces on campus beyond or near The Yard will be modified to facilitate the production and security requirements. The email also said attendees of the private event will have to go through various layers of screening conducted by “specialized teams trained for events of this scope and significance.”
Lyles and Evers said Howard’s Department of Public Safety is working closely with local and national law enforcement agencies, such as the Secret Service, for optimal operation and “seamless communication.”
They also acknowledged the anxiety that stems from safety concerns about the event. Trained counselors and the Office of the Chapel will be on campus for emotional support during election night.
The Metropolitan Police Department released a traffic advisory in response to the Election Night Watch Party on campus, which includes road closures, emergency no-parking zones and local traffic-only restrictions, will be impacted as well.
Students can receive updates about operations and safety at the Howard University Election Week Central Hub website.
Copy edited by Jalyn Lovelady
