Police At Southington HS As Tensions Mount Over 'Racist' Posting

SOUTHINGTON, CT — Southington High School had an increased police presence Wednesday as tensions on social media seemed to have run amok over a racially charged social media post involving a student last week.

On Tuesday, the superintendent’s office was contacted by two parents about a possible threat against Southington High School, a report indicates. The superintendent’s office then contacted Southington police, according to a report.

Police found that it surfaced during a "private social media conversation between several parents." Another parent also contacted Southington police about it, according to a report.

Police said they determined there was "no credible threat to the school" and that the "rumors" were related to a racially insensitive social media post that was made by a student last week. See the details of the incident here.

"An increased police presence will be at Southington High School as a precaution and to alleviate anxiety on the students and staff and so that the school may continue in a positive educational environment," police said in a statementreleased Wedneasday morning.

Superintendent of Schools Timothy Connellan als sent a letter to the school community:

"Yesterday afternoon and last evening, I received two communications from parents who indicated that they were aware of rumors of a threat directed toward Southington High School with at least one person indicating that such information was posted on social media.

"The information was forwarded to the Southington Police Department and it was investigated. The investigation found that the rumors were generated by general student discussions and comments at school related to the video incident last week.

"Parents were then commenting on social media about their children's reports to them regarding what was said at school. SPD found no new information and no information to substantiate the claim of a threat directed at the school. Nonetheless, there will be increased police presence at the school in the form of additional personnel to help reassure students, parents and staff.

"Please share this information with your children as appropriate and try to reassure them that there is absolutely no credible evidence that a threat directed toward Southington High School ever existed."

He also gave a lecture on Social Media 101 in the letter:

"Rumors spread on social media should remind us again, that this is one of the negative things about social media - the ability to spread false information quickly, over a wide range of consumers.

"Just because something is posted on a social media platform does not mean it is true. Nonetheless, if you hear something, say something still applies and we do encourage students, parents and staff to share information with the administration. We have tremendous support from our community partners, especially the Southington Police Department. We will address every instance in which it is believed there is a threat to student and staff safety and we will continue to communicate that information to you.

"Thank you for your support and helping us maintain a safe, calm environment for teaching and learning during these last three extremely busy days before the December break."

Photo Credit: Chris Dehnel

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