Schools across the nation, including locations here in Eugene have recently experienced an increase in school threats, rumors of threats, and the spread of false information which has contributed to disruptions to the learning environments and created fear in our community.
Here in the Bethel district, the safety and wellbeing of students, staff and families remains our highest concern. Maintaining safety in our schools requires an ongoing partnership between school staff, students, families, law enforcement and the surrounding community.
Throughout the year our district has monitored the concerning national trends including various TikTok challenges. The Eugene Police Department and the Bethel School District are aware of the vague and unsettling threats to school safety and will continue to utilize our partners at Eugene Police to maintain safe and secure campuses.
It is important to note that issuing and/or distributing hoax threats of violence is a crime and taken very seriously. Our law enforcement partners investigate every tip to ensure the continued safety of our campuses. Hoax threats can result in arrests by law enforcement, and or disciplinary action by the school district. They are not a joke and carry serious consequences for all involved. In Bethel, we value a strong sense of community and inclusion which is founded on all members feeling safe. Hoax threats disrupt the sense of safety and can cause severe emotional distress to students, school staff, and families.
Please remember – if you see something say something. Don’t forward or share a threat further. Rather, report it to law enforcement or a trusted adult. Threats can be reported directly the Eugene Police Department at 541-682-5111, to a trusted school adult or administrator or through the SafeOregon tip line.
A hoax threat is no joke – think before you post.