NOVA Stands With Bridgewater College and HBCUs Nationally

NOVA Stands With Bridgewater College and HBCUs Nationally

NOVA joins in mourning the loss of Bridgewater College Campus Police Officer John Painter and Campus Safety Officer J.J. Jefferson and decrying the threats to HBCUs across the country, including Bowie State University, Coppin State University, Howard University, Morgan State University and University of the District of Columbia.

Officers Painter and Jefferson died while protecting the Bridgewater College community from a senseless act of violence that shattered the campus’s sense of peace and safety. The officers’ heroism and sacrifice prevented the unimaginable. We send our deepest condolences to their families, whose lives are forever changed because officers Painter and Jefferson nobly put service above self, and to the Bridgewater College students, faculty and staff as they grieve this horrible loss. Our hearts are with them.

NOVA stands with the Bridgewater College community.

The nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities have experienced anonymous threats of violence that brought fear and disruption to their campuses. The legacy of scholarship and excellence that is at the heart of these institutions should be nurtured and protected, not derailed by cowardly, racist attacks. We know the strength of these institutions will not be moved.

NOVA stands with the students, faculty and staff at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Anne