Dallas Baptist University Evacuated Due to Unverified Threats
Dallas Baptist University issued an all-clear on Thursday afternoon after the campus was evacuated following unverified threats ahead of hosting Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson and Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner.
Law enforcement could not confirm any credible threat, and the university issued an all-clear by the afternoon. There is no longer an active or ongoing threat, the school said in a news release.
University Response
The university canceled class on Thursday “out of an abundance of caution.” Class will resume on Friday.
“Our decision allowed DBU Police to work closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to thoroughly assess the situation and ensure the safety of University Hill,” the university said in a statement.
Dallas Police Department was on the scene assisting, said a DPD spokesperson. The FBI also helped, the university said.
Event Cancellation
Turner was set to give his remarks at 9:30 a.m. at the HUD Center for Faith’s Opportunity Zones Summit. The event was canceled “due to a security concern on campus,” a HUD spokesperson said.
His talk would have focused on how faith-based organizations could help “vulnerable Americans achieve economic prosperity” by investing in “Opportunity Zones,” or economically distressed communities.
“Opportunity Zones” are nominated by governors and certified by the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, according to the HUD website. Investments in these areas could be eligible for preferential tax treatment.
Speakers and Attendees
Johnson was set to give remarks about public-private partnerships and uplifting underserved communities.
Turner, a lifelong Texan, was confirmed last year by the U.S. Senate to be the 19th HUD Secretary.
University Information
Dallas Baptist University, which serves about 4,200 students, is located in southwest Dallas. The school offers 79 undergraduate programs and 37 graduate programs, with an emphasis on Christ-centered learning.
Education Lab
The DMN Education Lab deepens the coverage and conversation about urgent education issues critical to the future of North Texas.
The DMN Education Lab is a community-funded journalism initiative, with support from Bobby and Lottye Lyle, Communities Foundation of Texas, The Dallas Foundation, Dallas Regional Chamber, Deedie Rose, Garrett and Cecilia Boone, Judy and Jim Gibbs, The Meadows Foundation, The Murrell Foundation, Ron and Phyllis Steinhart, Solutions Journalism Network, Southern Methodist University, Sydney Smith Hicks, and the University of Texas at Dallas. The Dallas Morning News retains full editorial control of the Education Lab’s journalism.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the evacuation of Dallas Baptist University due to unverified threats highlights the importance of prioritizing safety and security on campus. The university’s decision to cancel classes and work with law enforcement to assess the situation demonstrates their commitment to protecting their students and staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happened at Dallas Baptist University on Thursday?
A: The university was evacuated due to unverified threats ahead of hosting Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson and Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner.
Q: Were there any credible threats found?
A: Law enforcement could not confirm any credible threat, and the university issued an all-clear by the afternoon.
Q: What event was canceled due to the security concern?
A: The HUD Center for Faith’s Opportunity Zones Summit was canceled “due to a security concern on campus.”
Q: Who was set to speak at the event?
A: Turner was set to give his remarks at 9:30 a.m., and Johnson was set to give remarks about public-private partnerships and uplifting underserved communities.
