GoFundMe Campaign Ongoing After Tufts University Bomb Threats

MEDFORD, MA — One local community member is looking to turn frustration into action after more than a week of bomb threats at Tufts University in Medford and Somerville.

A new GoFundMe campaign launched this week dubbed "Books Not Bombs" is the creation of Kevin Mullen, who is a researcher at Tufts, as reported by MassLive.

The fundraiser is seeking to collect money for the Boston Schools Fund, which offers grants to various schools in Boston with the goal of advancing equity in education.

Tufts officials began reporting bomb threats at the university’s Medford/Somerville campus last week. Threats continued this week.

University President Tony Monaco confirmed in a message to community members on Monday that some of the threats had mentioned various diversity equity, inclusion and justice initiatives at Tufts.

“These threats have been unnerving to members of our community, especially those who are deeply involved in (diversity, equity, inclusion and justice) work, and those who actively participate in these programs, support our colleagues, and work towards our institution’s noble mission,” Monaco said. “We understand the deep anxiety and fear that you have been experiencing—we are here for you.”

Mullen said in a description attached to his GoFundMe campaign that he was “appalled” by the threats

“As a Tufts community member,” he said, “I want to condemn these racist threats through action.”

Mullen called for a “Boston Strong” response to express community anti-racist ideals through contributions to the Boston Schools Fund.

Mullen set an initial goal of $1,000 for the fundraiser. Contributions had surpassed that mark as of Friday morning, with $1,086 raised.

Tufts has shifted some end-of-semester exams to online alternatives due to recent threats.

Monaco this week said the university was also increasing security and patrols across its campuses in Medford/Somerville, Boston and Grafton.

Authorities were continuing an investigation into recent threats as of Monday, according to Monaco.

Mullen's fundraiser was ongoing as of Friday morning available at the link here.