Founder’s Library at Howard University.

U.S. Department of State (IIP Bureau) / Flickr

Howard University officials say they are investigating life-threatening messages posted to social media targeting the campus community.

The university announced Sunday it would launch an internal investigation into the messages, which were posted by students and shared with school administrators through email and group chats.

A spokeswoman at the university would not say what the messages entailed.

“In light of the gun-related incidents on University campuses that have occurred nationally, we are fully cooperating with law enforcement,” Howard University President Wayne A. I. Frederick said in Sunday’s statement. “We recognize that we are not immune to people with ill intent that aim to cause harm to our community.”

The university did not confirm what may have caused the latest threats against the school when asked by WAMU on Monday. Frederick’s public statement posted to social media and the school’s website indicates the threats may be linked to recent confusion over scholarships and financial aid eligibility.

“While we fully empathize with students who may have financial challenges meeting established deadlines, threats against our campus community will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” he wrote.

He added, “Howard’s practice has been and remains to accommodate students who have experienced extenuating circumstances. We are still committed to doing so, but we will not excuse vitriol and hate as a part of this process.”

Howard officials attempted to correct misconceptions in a statement released Friday saying that the university did not have a “financial aid or scholarship crisis” and that it has not canceled any scholarships for students who meet requirements.

This story originally appeared on WAMU.

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