Greenville County Schools Address Student Safety Concerns Amid Threats
Greenville, SC – Recent threats in Greenville County Schools have raised alarms among parents and students alike. District Superintendent Burke Royster and Greenville County Sheriff Hobart Lewis have called for help from the community in reporting any suspicious activities or threats. This plea follows a tragic shooting at Appalachee High School in Georgia, where four lives were lost and nine others were injured.
Escalating Threats Lead to Arrests
Since the Georgia incident, violent threats have reportedly surged across Upstate schools. This week, six students in Greenville County were arrested. Among those, four students were taken into custody linked to threats made at six different schools. Notably, two arrests involved students from Blue Ridge Middle School and another from Woodmont Middle School. There was also a Riverside High School student arrested for discharging a BB gun during practice, which left one student with a minor injury.
Despite these arrests, many parents have voiced their fears online. One parent expressed frustration over the lists of threatened schools circulating on social media, stating, “I’m so tired of seeing these lists of schools that are being targeted. That’s insane to want to cause panic!” Others suggested returning to virtual learning due to safety concerns.
A Call for Vigilance
Sheriff Lewis emphasized that threats against schools, even if meant as a joke, can have serious legal repercussions. The school district and local law enforcement are working closely to maintain safety, with School Resource Officers present in every school.
Authorities stress the importance of the “See Something, Say Something” initiative, urging both students and parents to report any unsettling behavior or threats instead of sharing them on social media. Sharing these posts often causes unnecessary panic and complicates safety measures.
Community Support and Safety First
While the increase in threats is concerning, no injuries have been reported in connection with this week’s incidents. Local law enforcement continues to collaborate with schools, committed to ensuring a secure environment for all students. Sheriff Lewis concluded with a strong reminder: “If you see something, say something.” This simple phrase encapsulates the district’s ongoing effort to foster a safe educational atmosphere.
