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RUN, HIDE, FIGHT. Remind yourself of this method to keep yourself and others safe.
By: Claire McKenna
Staff-Writer
Many schools in the South Bend area and across Michiana are dealing with violent threats made through social media. The South Bend Community School Corporation increased police presence at its schools on Sept. 16 after a threatening photo was posted on the social media platform Snapchat. The WNDU 16 News team was also able to find a post made specifically towards Washington High School, but they were not the only school that had threats made.
Officials have decided to raise the security measures and police presence. Schools like Washington High School and John Adams High School, across the street from IU South Bend, will now have students walk through a threat detection unit, which detects weapons.
There were many other schools that dealt with threats that week. A child made a threat at Jackson Middle School, and it was shared via social media. There was an increase in security presence the next day, but the child did not come to school.
At New Prairie Middle School, there was a report of a possible threat overnight. The next day, bags were checked, and students were taken to the gym at the start of school, but there was no evidence of a real threat.
At Three Rivers Community Schools, school was closed due to a social media threat. Benton Harbor High School was also shut down due to multiple fights inside the school. Goshen Community Schools went on a soft lockdown Sept. 6 due to social media threats. They have arrested a man who was charged in connection with those threats. An 18-year old has also been charged due to threats made to Goshen High School.
IU South Bend follows the Run, Hide, Fight method if dealing with threats. If you detect a threat, report it to IUPD as soon as possible to keep everyone safe.