Morgan State University officials decided to cancel and postpone homecoming activities on Wednesday, drawing a mix of reactions from students and the larger community.

The cancellations and postponements are the first of their kind in the university’s 156-year history and have shaken some students and alums.

Some, like Anteneh Cooper, a junior political science major, mourned the loss of the campus’ annual celebration.

“It’s really sad we lost this opportunity because a couple people ruined it for everyone,” said Cooper. “Homecoming is what brings us all together.”

Others, like Michael Miles, a sophomore in religious history, took exception to the cancellation of most of the homecoming schedule, including the tailgate.

“I understand why [the events were canceled], but they shouldn’t have postponed the tailgate,” said Miles. “People had plans, and spent a lot of money and now we can’t even go. Alumni are as upset as students are. Many use homecoming as an opportunity to reconnect with their friends [and] family and just to rekindle.”

Morgan officials canceled the concert, which would have headlined Sexxy Redd, as well as a silent headphone party, volleyball match and pep rally, while postponing Saturday’s football game against Stony Brook and a postgame gala.

Morgan President David Wilson said he took action after “careful and…emotional deliberation” following Tuesday’s shooting in an area near Thurgood Marshall Hall and the Murphy Fine Arts Center.

Five people – four of them being Morgan students – were injured in the shooting, marking the third consecutive year that gun violence has marred a homecoming event. Police have not arrested anyone in connection to the shooting, though they have released a video of persons of interest.

“The shooter hasn’t been caught yet, I don’t feel safe.” said Alvin West, who graduated from Morgan in 2021.

“It’s a tragedy,” said Deuce Rogers, also an alum. “There were a lot of events I wanted to see. I was mainly focused on the tailgate. It would’ve been nice to experience it, but there’s nothing else that could be done.”