'Our Schools Are Safe,' District Says After Threat

SCOTCH PLAINS/FANWOOD, NJ — "Our schools are safe," Scotch Plains-Fanwood School Superintendent Dr. Joan V. Mast said in a second letter sent out to concerned parents and students on Monday night following a rumored threat on social media.

Mast had previously sent a letter on Monday morning noting the threat was not credible. (See Related: Rumored Threat Against Scotch Plains-Fanwood HS Not 'Credible') However due to continued concerns and inquires she sent out a second letter on Monday night reaffirming schools were safe.

The district was made aware of a controversial photo and an alleged threat on Sunday. The photo reportedly showed a picture of a teen boy in black face in front of a Confederate flag, according to Tapinto.net.

"The alleged threat was assessed and found to be false. However, I am aware and deeply concerned of how social media posts can fuel fear and disrupt our students and our schools," Mast said.

An investigation with the Scotch Plains and Fanwood Police Departments have found that "a threat was never made to any Scotch Plains-Fanwood schools. Instead, misinformation from a variety of sources was conveyed through social media indicating the so called threat," Mast said.

Mast went on to note that the district cannot answer specific questions about the behavior of a particular student(s) as they are bound by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

"Please understand that administration would not open schools if we had not carefully discerned the risk to students and staff," Mast said.

As a result of the controversial post and alleged threat going viral, the district is now planning on working with the Scotch Plains and Fanwood police departments to hold parent workshops on social media awareness to highlight the importance of responsible use of social media.

This is the not the first time the school district has been targeted by hateful speech. Last year in October, racist and anti-Semitic graffiti were found spray-painted on the side of the regional high school.

The graffiti sprayed in white paint across the exterior brick walls and windows included a swastika, a Satanic symbol, and the numbers "666" along with a drawing of a penis and other language such as "n***ers" and "F*** Hillary." (See Related: Racist, Anti-Semitic Graffiti Found On Scotch Plains-Fanwood HS)

"Last year, when the high school was graffitied with racial slurs we were reminded of how the hateful voices of few can hurt so many," Mast said. "Today we reaffirm our commitment to listening to student voice through our student leadership groups. Together with the Board of Education we continue to work hand in hand, with the Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Coalition, in partnership with both towns, to create a fair and safe community for all residents."

Scotch Plains Police did not respond to Patch's request for comment.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here.