The acting principal and chairman of the Hamilton Public School Board has a clear message for anyone involved in the recent series of shooting threats targeting schools in the area.
It must stop.
So Sue Dunlop and Dawn Danko wrote in their open letter published on Friday. At least nine schools on the city’s public school and Catholic boards have reported threats recently.
Every threat causes distress for students, staff and carerscan we read the letter.
Consequences can range from criminal prosecution, as well as suspension or expulsion from school.
In Texas, on May 24, an 18-year-old man opened fire inside Robb Elementary School in the town of Uvalde, killing 19 fourth-graders and two teachers.
Also, in Toronto, a man was killed by police with an air gun in his hand near a school last week.
Hamilton police said many of the threats made to local schools were written on toilet stalls and specified that the attacks would take place last Friday.
At least 120 school staff remained at home on Friday. In addition, police are present in some schools.
There is no indication that anyone attempted to carry out these threats.
Police arrested a 14 -year -old girl for threats made in St. Louis. Jean de Brébeuf Catholic High School and a 19 -year -old boy for threats made at Westdale High School.
Westdale School closed as a precaution on Friday due to threats, but is expected to reopen on Monday.
Police are still investigating other threats.
We urge families to talk to their children about the seriousness of making violent threats. […] We take any threat of violence against a school community seriously and we will help hold those responsible accountable for such threats.
Source: Radio-Canada
