All the emotions and fears that have followed the deadly shooting at Oxford High School are completely understandable. But the copycat threats that have thrived in the last two weeks are unacceptable and cannot be allowed to interfere with children’s education.
That’s what’s happening though, as schools across Michigan have closed in response to these threats. School administrators, in conjunction with law enforcement, have to take any hint of violence seriously, but closing schools must be a last resort — especially for any length of time.
The focus should be on enhancing security and ensuring safety so students can feel confident in attending class. Whether that means more officers in buildings or stronger rules regarding backpacks and what students can bring into school, it’s worth it.
Some students in Oakland County have sought to go virtual ahead of their holiday break, and have started a change.org petition demanding greater security measures and protections from their schools. As of Wednesday, more than 16,000 students had signed it.
“These widespread threats have induced fear and taken an emotional toll on all students, making in-person learning essentially useless,” the petition states.
Again, we are empathetic to these concerns. Yet such continued interruptions to students’ daily lives and their education are also worrisome. After the pandemic and state lockdowns disrupted two school years for many students, normalcy is an important goal.
Most of these threats are coming through social media and from fellow students. Law enforcement and prosecutors need to send a strong message that there is zero tolerance for these actions, and that those perpetrating the messages, regardless of age, will face swift punishment.
Earlier this month, state Superintendent Michael Rice said “an individual who threatens a school should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
IT’S NOT COOL or funny to cancel class or instill fear among classmates and teachers.
In Wayne County, more than two dozen have been charged with school threats or bringing weapons to school. Others have faced charges in Oakland and Macomb counties. Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy has charged at least 25 youth and is investigating more.
This copycat phenomenon is maddening, but predictable. It happened in Michigan statewide, following the 2018 Parkland, Florida, shooting.
Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard says his office is committed to investigating all threats, and says they can be charged “as a felony and domestic terrorism.”
Consequences of those charges can follow young people throughout their lives, regardless of whether they thought they were only “making a joke.”
Parents must address this with their children, and help stem the wave of threats.
For their part, schools should respond with appropriate safety measures and a commitment to keeping children in class.
