In response to a recent shooting incident during homecoming festivities, Morgan State University in northeast Baltimore has announced plans to construct a wall around 90% of its campus and station security personnel at entrances and exits. The decision aims to enhance security and prevent unfettered access to the campus, according to university President David Wilson. The shooting, which occurred after a coronation ceremony for Mister and Miss Morgan State, left five people injured and resulted in the cancellation of classes and homecoming activities for the week.
During a campus town hall meeting, Wilson addressed concerns and questions from students and staff regarding the incident. He emphasized that the purpose of the wall is not to isolate the campus from the community but to keep out “bad actors.” The university is taking proactive measures to ensure the safety of its students in light of the growing threat of gun violence in American schools.
Following the shooting, the campus was placed on lockdown, and students were instructed to shelter in place due to a potential active shooter threat. Although no arrests have been made, Baltimore police have released surveillance images of persons of interest and are seeking assistance from the public in identifying them. The police believe the violence was a result of a dispute involving two shooters, and the victims, including four Morgan State students, were not the intended targets. All the victims have since been released from local hospitals.
Morgan State University had already planned significant security upgrades before the shooting, but the incident has expedited the implementation of additional measures. In addition to the wall, the university is considering installing more metal detectors in campus buildings, exploring weapons detection technology, increasing police patrols, and constructing additional security guard booths. The estimated total cost of these upgrades is over $22 million.
Notably, previous Morgan State homecoming celebrations have also experienced acts of violence. In 2022, a young man was shot during an unsanctioned homecoming after-party on campus, and in the preceding year, a freshman was arrested for shooting his classmate over homecoming weekend.
Founded in 1867 with a mission to train men for ministry, Morgan State University relocated to its current site in northeast Baltimore in 1917. In 1939, it was acquired by the state of Maryland to provide increased opportunities for Black citizens. President Wilson reasserted the university’s mission and core values during the town hall, and he shared a message of resilience from one of the injured students, reminding the university community that “today may look grim but tomorrow is bright.” The university also intends to reschedule the homecoming ball that was disrupted by the shooting.
In light of the incident and the university’s response, Morgan State University is taking proactive steps to ensure the safety and well-being of its students. The implementation of enhanced security measures, including the construction of a wall and increased police presence, aims to mitigate potential threats and create a secure campus environment.
