'No Credible Threat' To High School Despite Online Claims

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — The superintendent of Township High School District 113 assured parents Highland Park High School administrators were aware of a potential safety threat involving a student several weeks ago and determined it was not credible, despite claims circulating on a local social media group.

"Upon learning of the potential threat posed by the student involved, the school immediately conducted a threat assessment and concluded there was no credible threat," Superintendent Bruce Law said in a Saturday message to parents and guardians. He said administrators were working with the student, the student's family and Highland Park police but state and federal school privacy laws prevented them from saying anything more.

Law reminded parents and guardians that information on social media, "however confidentially stated, is not verified, supported by or originated from" district administrators.

"Facebook or any other social media platform is not the place to ask questions or speculate about what is or should be done," Law told parents. "Worse, if there is a time-sensitive concern, posting on social media platforms does nothing to protect anyone. If anything it can only exacerbate the situation and confuse people."

In case of an emergency, credible threat or potential weather-related school closure, Law said administrators would contact parents directly by the contact information they have on file. He asked parents to encourage students to say something directly to a trusted adult at school if they hear or see something of concern, or to call 911 immediately if they believe they have information about an imminent threat.