Dallas Baptist University was evacuated on Thursday morning due to unverified threats as it prepared to host Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson and Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner. The university announced in a news release that it is currently assessing the situation and collaborating with law enforcement agencies. Although no immediate danger has been confirmed, classes were canceled as a precautionary measure.
“The safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff remain our highest priority,” the university stated. A spokesperson for the Dallas Police Department confirmed that officers were on the scene assisting with the investigation.
Turner was scheduled to deliver remarks at the HUD Center for Faith’s Opportunity Zones Summit at 9:30 a.m., focusing on how faith-based organizations can help vulnerable Americans achieve economic prosperity through investments in Opportunity Zones—economically distressed areas that are eligible for preferential tax treatment when improved.
Mayor Johnson was also slated to discuss the importance of public-private partnerships in uplifting underserved communities. Turner, who hails from Texas, was confirmed as the 19th HUD Secretary by the U.S. Senate last year.
Dallas Baptist University, located in southwest Dallas, serves around 4,200 students and offers 79 undergraduate programs and 37 graduate programs, emphasizing a Christ-centered education.
The recent events at Dallas Baptist University highlight the ongoing importance of safety in educational environments, particularly during events featuring government officials. As the situation unfolds, the university continues to prioritize safety while working towards resuming normal operations.