DURHAM — Historically black colleges in North Carolina are tightening security as state and federal investigators continue their search for the author of a racist letter mailed out early last week.

"We've also alerted our own campus security so we can be more alert and more vigilant to what's around us and what's going on," says Graham Watt ofSt. Augustine's College.

But as classes start back atNorth Carolina Central University, student Deon Rowe says one person's ill will will not keep him from his studies.

"There's always gonna be people who don't like you for money, color, just for whatever you look like," Rowe says.

The letter, which appeared in two versions, also showed up at St. Augustine's College andShaw Universityin Raleigh. It was also sent to six other predominantly black colleges -- four in Alabama and two in Tennessee.

Many students coming back from their semester break heard about the letter for the first time Sunday. The hateful words in the letter have angered India Smith.

"I feel like if we're not bothering them they shouldn't bother us," says Smith.

Fayetteville State Universityreceived a letter later than the other schools, on Tuesday, January 11.