Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas and Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona recently held a meeting with presidents of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to discuss strengthening campus safety and security. 

Cardona said he is pleased Mayorkas and his team at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are focused on partnerships with HBCU leaders to equip them with the tools to protect their campus communities, according to a news release.

“To do their best learning, students must be able to focus on their education without fear or distraction," Cardona said in the release. "Acts of intimidation against HBCUs can’t and won’t be tolerated.” 

The meeting was held in conjunction with the International Day of Education, which is celebrated annually on Jan. 24. 

According to the release, the meeting was a part of the Biden-Harris administration’s ongoing commitment to ensure HBCUs have equitable access to the resources and support necessary to effectively execute their missions. HBCUs across the country were invited to share information on grant programs, training resources and research opportunities. 

Mayorkas said he had the opportunity to speak directly with more than 40 HBCU presidents during the discussion, according to the release. He said the DHS is eager to deepen its partnerships with HBCUs to protect students and faculty from an evolving rage of threats and to increase access to careers in the federal government.