In response to a shooting incident that occurred during homecoming festivities, Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD, has announced plans to construct a wall around 90% of its campus. The decision was made by university leaders in an effort to enhance security and prevent unfettered access to the premises. University President David Wilson addressed the campus community during a town hall meeting, emphasizing that the purpose of the wall is not to exclude the community but to keep out potential threats. Wilson stated that the university is taking these measures to ensure the safety of the students and staff.

The shooting incident took place on the night of October 3rd, following a coronation ceremony for this year's Mister and Miss Morgan State. The university responded by cancelling classes and homecoming activities for the rest of the week. The incident has sparked concerns among students and staff about the safety of the campus and has prompted a series of questions regarding the preventive measures that could have been taken.

During the town hall meeting, Wilson and other officials were faced with numerous inquiries from students and staff demanding to know what could have been done to prevent the shooting. The incident occurred as students were walking from an auditorium to the campus student center, where a coronation ball was scheduled to take place. The campus was immediately placed on lockdown, and students were instructed to shelter in place due to the initial belief that there was an active shooter threat. Although no arrests have been made, the Baltimore police have released surveillance images of persons of interest and have requested public assistance in identifying them. The police believe that the violence was a result of a dispute involving two shooters and that the victims, including four Morgan State students, were not the intended targets. Fortunately, all the victims were released from local hospitals the following week.

Prior to the shooting, the university had already initiated significant security upgrades. However, the incident has prompted officials to expedite these efforts. In addition to the construction of the wall, other security measures being considered include the installation of more metal detectors in campus buildings, the exploration of weapons detection technology, an increase in police patrols, and the construction of additional security guard booths. The projected cost of these upgrades is estimated to be over $22 million.

This is not the first time that violence has marred Morgan State's homecoming celebrations. In October 2022, a young man was shot during an unsanctioned after-party on campus, and the previous year, a freshman was arrested for shooting a classmate over homecoming weekend. These incidents highlight the need for increased security measures and a comprehensive approach to ensure the safety of the university community.

Morgan State University, a historically Black institution with approximately 9,000 students, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1867. Originally established to train men for ministry, the university relocated to its current site in northeast Baltimore in 1917. In 1939, the state of Maryland acquired the university with the aim of providing greater opportunities for Black citizens.

Despite the challenges faced by the university, President Wilson began his presentation at the town hall by reminding the community of Morgan State's mission and core values. He shared that he had spoken to the injured students earlier that day and conveyed one student's message to the university community: "Today may look grim, but tomorrow is bright." Wilson also pledged to reschedule the homecoming ball that was disrupted by the shooting, showing the university's commitment to preserving traditions and fostering a safe and thriving campus environment.