Columbia High School: Code Yellow Alert Was Result Of Social Media Post, Principal Says

Wednesday’s Code Yellow alert at Columbia High School in Maplewood was the result of a reported social media threat, school administrators say.

Columbia High School Principal Elizabeth Aaron stated that the incident was spurred when administrators received notice that CHS students had “posted images and words related to an act of violence against our school.”

The Maplewood Police Department responded to the scene shortly afterwards, where school administrators had gathered hundreds of students and prevented them from entering the building.

The Code Yellow alert was cleared around 10:30 a.m., authorities stated.

• See related article: Code Yellow Shuts Down Columbia High School: Alert Cleared

In a letter following the threat alert, Aaron warned parents and staff about being alert about what their children post online.

“Please take time tonight to review safe social media practices with your students, remind them that references to guns, violence, or other crimes can elevate what they think may be a ‘harmless’ post to an issue that creates the conditions we had at CHS this morning. A comment or posting by a student or one that a student chooses to re-post may result in charges of making terroristic threats and can result in suspension or expulsion from school.”

Aaron continued:

“Your students’ lives on Instagram, Facebook, YikYak, Snapchat and other similar sites may be ones that strengthen their friendships. They can also be detrimental to their health and safety. Your work to help your students recognize and navigate the differences is critical.”