[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 125 (Thursday, September 23, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1947]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RACIAL TERRORISM AT FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ALLEN BOYD

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 23, 1999

  Mr. BOYD. Mr. Speaker, many of you have seen in the Washington Post 
today that Florida A&M University, a historically black college in 
Florida's Second Congressional District, has been targeted by a racist 
bomber. In the last month, the school has received several bomb threats 
and has suffered two random blasts in an administrative facility and an 
academic building. While we are grateful that none of the students or 
faculty have been injured in these horrible incidents, a caller to a 
local television station, using racial slurs and profanity, indicated 
that these two bomb blasts are ``just the beginning.''
  This racial terrorism has brought classes at Florida A&M to a halt, 
frightened students and faculty, and stunned the surrounding 
Tallahassee community. Following this most recent bombing, I spoke with 
the President of Florida A&M, Dr. Frederick Humphries, about his 
efforts to avoid further tragedy. With the assistance of local and 
federal law enforcement officers, school officials have been working to 
improve security and identify suspects. Dr. Humphries has increased 
mechanical surveillance and the number of police officers patrolling 
campus. However, as with any large school, the challenge of scouring 
every inch of campus is monumental.
  Today, I ask for your prayers and support for my constituents whose 
lives have been turned upside down by this evil plot. Florida A&M has a 
history of excellence, and the school's efforts to provide superb 
educational opportunities to its students should not be hindered by the 
acts of one hateful individual. I pray that these terrorist acts will 
not only be brought to a quick demise, but they will also serve to 
unite the Tallahassee community against the racial hatred of a select 
few.

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