Update on recent threats

December 19, 2022

Dear Tufts community members,

I am writing to you again as we faced another disruption of our regular activities earlier today. I want to be as transparent as possible regarding what we know thus far and what we are all doing to keep our community safe.

Here’s what we know:

Starting on Wednesday last week we received a series of bomb threats directed at various locations of our Medford/Somerville campus. After thoroughly investigating each threat, no bombs or any other suspicious objects have been found.

Several of the threats have included messages indicating that the emailer(s) are opposed to: our university values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ); the hard work we have done collectively; and the much-needed and difficult conversations within our institution to move forward as a diverse and inclusive community, and as active citizens in our wider society. Investigators note that it does not necessarily mean that this is definitely the cause of these threats.

However, I acknowledge that these threats have been unnerving to members of our community, especially those who are deeply involved in DEIJ work, and those who actively participate in these programs, support our colleagues, and work towards our institution’s noble mission. We understand the deep anxiety and fear that you have been experiencing—we are here for you. Please reach out to your supervisors with any concerns or please readily avail yourself of any of the support resources listed below.

We will continue to remain alert and vigilant about any threats against any part of any of our campuses. In the event of any future threats, please diligently follow alert messages and instructions from authorities.

Here’s what we’re doing:

We have increased security and patrols on the Medford/Somerville campus, as well as our other campuses, and are ready to respond at any time. We are partnering with all relevant agencies, at multiple levels, on the investigation of these threats. Assistance has also been provided by the public safety departments of local peer institutions. I am grateful to everyone for their help at every level.

The investigation of these threats will take some time and the nature of the investigation prevents us from disclosing much at this time. However, I want to assure you that we are doing everything we can to identify the culprits while keeping our community safe.

Here’s what you can do:

Please contact the Tufts University Police Department should you see, or experience, anything out of the ordinary.

I encourage everyone to seek out help and support should you need it. The University Chaplaincy, Counseling and Mental Health Services (CMHS), Ears for Peers, the Division of Student Diversity and Inclusion, the International Center, and the Dean of Student Affairs Office on the Medford/Somerville campus are all available to support you. You may also reach out to the Counselor-on-Call available 24/7 by calling 617-627-3360 and following the prompts. Faculty and staff are encouraged to reach out to the Tufts Employee Assistance Program and the University Chaplaincy if you need support during this time.

The past few days have not been easy. They have been especially difficult on our colleagues of color and those involved actively in DEIJ efforts, as we move together towards a brighter and more inclusive future. We will do all we can to keep our community safe and protected so that together we can deliver on this important mission.

Best wishes,

Tony Monaco