BRISTOL — Because threats of violence, even “mass murder,” flew all over social media sites (after students identifying themselves as “Juggalos” exchanged words, came into school wearing clown makeup, and another punched a student severely enough to send him to a hospital), school administrators and the Bristol police department cracked down swiftly and hard last week. (Read the latest on http://www.bristolri.com/news/2011/nov/09/mt-hope-high-settled-down-after-violence-threats/.)
School administrators and the police department quickly learned about the escalating threats posted on Facebook, claiming that Juggalos were being bullied at school and posting song lyrics. It was the lyric about mass murder that had them very concerned.
The school day following those postings, Schools Superintendent Melinda Thies and Principal Donald Rebello worked with the police department in getting a serious police presence in the halls and outside. Mr. Rebello announced to students that these threats and any others are being taken seriously.
Police requested parents bring in some students for questioning, and one student’s home was searched for weapons. The investigation revealed there is no violent group in the school, and the students involved in the postings online were remorseful.
Thanks to the quick and efficient actions by the school and police departments, this situation was nipped in the bud. Bullying and perceived bullying has at times erupted into tragedy at other schools, such as Columbine. While this past week’s incidents cannot compare to that, all threats of violence in school must be taken seriously. And the school and police departments did their jobs well and kept students safe.
Comments
Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.
Sign in to comment
Or login with:
OpenID