On October 25, 2025, a mass shooting at Lincoln University’s homecoming tailgate in Lower Oxford Township, Chester County, left one person dead and six injured, shattering a cherished HBCU celebration. This tragedy—part of a disturbing pattern of violence at HBCU homecomings nationwide—exposed critical gaps in event security. As students, alumni, parents, and community members, we refuse to let this happen again. Lincoln University, a state-related institution under Pennsylvania’s oversight, must be held accountable. We demand coordinated action from local, county, and state authorities to ensure future homecomings are safe for all.

Lincoln University’s homecoming draws thousands, yet its security measures failed to prevent the 2025 shooting outside the International Cultural Center. Despite armed campus police, partnerships with Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), and tools like the SAFER WATCH app, open-air tailgates lacked sufficient screening, crowd control, or off-campus coordination. Pennsylvania law bans firearms at university events, yet enforcement fell short. Lower Oxford Township, Chester County, and state officials have the power to act but have not mandated robust enough reforms to protect our community.

Our Demands:

1.  Chester County Commissioners: Convene a public safety hearing with Lincoln University leadership, PSP, Lower Oxford Township, and County Emergency Services. Require a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for future homecoming security, including mandatory weapons screening, increased patrols, and traffic management plans.

2.  Lower Oxford Township Supervisors: Enact ordinances requiring pre-approved safety plans for large university events, including off-site parking with shuttles, no roadside parking, and mandatory PSP coordination for crowd control.

3.  Pennsylvania State Police (Avondale Barracks): Conduct an after-action review of the October 2025 shooting and classify all Lincoln University homecoming events as “special security events” requiring PSP oversight, enhanced patrols, and weapons detection systems.

4.  Governor Josh Shapiro and PA Department of Education: Order a state-led safety audit of Lincoln University’s event security protocols. Mandate compliance with enhanced measures or face administrative sanctions via the university’s Board of Trustees.

5.  Lincoln University Board of Trustees: Implement immediate reforms, including metal detectors at all event entry points, clear bag policies, alcohol restrictions in tailgate zones, and community safety training before homecoming. Work transparently with parents, students, and state officials to rebuild trust.

6.  Community and Parents: Parents of Lincoln students should contact the university (484-365-7211, mpartee@lincoln.edu) and state officials (Sen. Carolyn Comitta, Rep. John Lawrence, Governor Shapiro) to demand accountability. Form a Safety Task Force to attend township and county meetings, ensuring unified pressure for change.

Call to Action: Sign this petition to demand immediate, coordinated action. Share photos, stories, and reports of the 2025 incident with local media (Daily Local, Philadelphia Inquirer, 6ABC, NBC10) and the FBI tip line (1-800-CALL-FBI). Attend township and county meetings to show unified support. Let’s protect Lincoln’s students, alumni, and neighbors by ensuring homecoming is a celebration, not a crisis.