Over 40 North Carolina Schools Face Online Threats
Asheville, N.C. – In a concerning turn of events, over 40 schools across North Carolina have been dealing with unsettling online threats aimed at students, with several of these incidents occurring in our own backyard here in Asheville and the surrounding areas of Henderson and McDowell Counties. This alarming trend has sparked discussions about safety and communication, as parents and school officials come together to address the anxiety felt within the community.
What’s Happening?
Superintendent Dr. Maggie Fehrman of Asheville City Schools reached out to parents this morning, expressing her distress about the incident and urging everyone to remain calm while authorities investigate. “I just get sick,” shared parent Kate Griffin. “It makes me sick that people make threats like this that cast a wide net just to scare people. I’m disheartened and sad.”
It’s clear that this situation has left many parents feeling anxious. Griffin voiced a common concern regarding communication, stating, “I don’t believe we have a very widely-known set of protocols in place to alert the parents as soon as something happens.” Many parents are eager for more transparent communications from school officials about threats and safety measures.
The Role of Law Enforcement
In the wake of these incidents, local police are stepping up to remind students that all threats are taken seriously—regardless of whether they appear on social media or are shared in person. Asheville Police Department Captain Jonathan Brown spoke to the public about the serious nature of these threats. He said, “[Threats] will be followed up on,” emphasizing that the department has protocols in place to track down the source of these threats.
Brown mentioned that investigations often involve meticulous work. “Looking through digital files, looking through social media profiles, and putting pieces of a puzzle together,” he explained. It’s not just about chasing down individuals; it’s about building a comprehensive understanding of the situation. However, one challenge that law enforcement faces is the minors involved. “The tender ages of school children, oftentimes, do keep us from putting certain information out,” he noted, highlighting the balancing act between transparency and legal considerations.
Possible Legal Consequences
While some threats may come from a place of frustration and lack of understanding, they can still lead to serious consequences for those making them. Captain Brown warned, “A young person behind a computer screen or phone that is talking out of frustration and saying things they have no intention of carrying out can still land them in trouble.”
The message is clear: regardless of the intent, any threat made seriously will be investigated thoroughly. Community safety is paramount, and local authorities are committed to ensuring a safe environment for students to learn.
Community Responses
Both Henderson County Schools and McDowell County Schools have issued statements to their communities regarding the situation. As schools work to keep parents informed and students safe, it’s become evident that community collaboration and communication are essential in navigating these distressing events.
The overarching sentiment among parents, educators, and law enforcement is a desire for a cohesive response plan that allows for immediate communication during crises. With some anxiety among parents about how swiftly they are informed, the conversation is shifting toward establishing a well-known protocol for quickly updating them in real-time during emergencies.
Looking Ahead
As Asheville and surrounding communities move forward from this incident, there is hope that increased awareness and communication will help to prevent similar threats from causing distress in the future. Together, we can work to ensure that our schools remain safe havens for learning, free from the shadows of intimidation and fear.
In the meantime, it’s crucial for all members of the community—parents, students, and educators—to remain vigilant and supportive of one another, fostering an environment where safety is prioritized.
