New Orleans, La. – Emmanuel Ukot, President of Xavier University of Louisiana’s Student Government Association (SGA), will present before the United States House of Representatives on Thursday, March 17, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. ET as part of the hearing “HBCUs at Risk: Examining Federal Support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities."

Ukot, a graduating senior majoring in business management, is honored to represent the Xavier University student body as he testifies before the House of Representatives regarding recent bomb threats Xavier University of Louisiana and other Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have received. The hearing will investigate ways the federal government can aid in protecting students’ safety and improve campus security to prevent domestic terrorism.  

“I plan to highlight the importance of HBCUs, their impact on students, and how domestic terroristic threats like the bomb threats we received not only destabilize students and can inhibit our academic performance,” Ukot said. “But [also how] it speaks to a larger societal issue where racially motivated acts such as this further sow into the disunity we see in society when it comes to race in America.” 

Xavier University received two bomb threats in 2022: the first in January and the second in February on the first day of Black History Month. More than twenty other HBCUs across five states have received threats this year. Some continue to deal with menacing messages and threats. On February 10, 2022, Xavier University President Dr. Reynold Verret testified on Capitol Hill before the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) to discuss the bomb threats and advocate to bridge the gap in disparities amongst minority healthcare workers.  

“I am appreciative of the opportunity to provide an intimate perspective of how my university – and HBCUs across the nation – cultivate the leaders and change agents of tomorrow,” Ukot remarked. “I hope that my testimony pushes Congress to support our HBCUs in the face of these threats to our safety.” 

 

 
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About Xavier University of Louisiana  

Xavier University of Louisiana, America’s only historically Black and Catholic University, is ranked among the top three HBCUs (historically Black colleges and universities) in the nation. Recognized as a national leader in STEM and health sciences, Xavier produces more African American students who graduate from medical schools each year than any other university in the United States. Additionally, Xavier’s College of Pharmacy is also among the top producers of African American pharmacists in the country.  

Established in 1925, by Saint Katharine Drexel and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament as a place for African American and Native Americans to receive quality education, Xavier has since expanded its programs in art, business, education, biological sciences, chemistry, pharmacy and political science. More recent additions in robotics, bioinformatics, engineering, data science, neuroscience and genetics, in addition to new STEM-based master’s programs, have provided Xavier students (2815 undergraduates and 787 graduates) an unbeatable combination of traditional classroom study, hands-on research, service-learning opportunities and life experiences. Xavier students collaborate with world-renowned faculty, who are experts in their fields, to produce award-winning research and notable work. The winning Xavier formula is to provide students with a well-balanced curriculum and an environment that nurtures their intellect and feeds their souls, thereby facilitating a more just and humane society for all. For more information about Xavier University of Louisiana, visit us online at www.xula.edu or contact Chelsea Cunningham at (504) 520-5425 or ccunnin@xula.edu.