Dowagiac high school student suspended for making threats on social media – Leader Publications

Dowagiac high school student suspended for making threats on social media

Posted 2:07 p.m. on Wednesday, September 28, 2022

DOWAGIAC — A Dowagiac Union High School student has been suspended for making “alarming comments” on social media, according to Dowagiac Union Schools.

In a news bulletin issued Wednesday night to DUS families, Superintendent Jonathan Whan said the matter was being investigated by the Dowagiac Police Department.

“Today mid-morning we learned that a high school student had made alarming comments on social media,” Whan said. “Once aware of the situation, action was taken by school administration and law enforcement.”

The administration and its school resource officer isolated the student and began the investigation, which included searching the student, his locker and his backpack. No weapon was located. The student’s home was also searched and no weapon was found. The student claimed it was just a joke.

Whan said the high school administration had contacted the family to let them know the situation was serious. The student was kicked out of the building and Whan said he could not return until further notice. The administration and the police will continue to assess and investigate the incident.

“No matter the intent, threats or threatening behavior has no place in our schools or our community,” Whan said. “We all take them seriously when we assess and treat them. As an important reminder, threats of any kind are against the District Code of Conduct and can result in serious consequences and possibly legal penalties. These actions do not in any way correspond to civility and civic-mindedness.

This is the fourth incident involving a threat or weapon the district has faced since Aug. 28.

According to Whan, the police or school staff can be contacted if there is a problem so that we can resolve the issues as soon as possible. To submit a tip anonymously online, go to OK2SAY – anyone can report tips about criminal activity or potential harm directed at students, school staff or schools.

Dowagiac Union Schools counseling staff are available to assist students who may be dealing with the anxiety of this event.

“If your child needs help or you have questions about support, please contact your school principal,” Whan said. “We appreciate the support of our community and the Dowagiac Police Department in dealing with this situation and moving forward together.”