Schools Superintendent Nancy Sarra has announced precautions because of nationwide online threats of violence.
“We are aware of the current social media posts spreading across the United States regarding gun violence in schools on December 17 (Friday),” Sarra announced on Thursday, December 16, 2021.
Saying that the school district is working closely with New Britain Police, Sarra said that, “As a precautionary measure, there will be an increased police presence at and around our schools tomorrow (Friday) to ensure the safety of our students and staff.”
“The rumor originated on TikTok and went viral for several days while also making its way onto other social media platforms,” Serra said. “Numerous law enforcement agencies around the country have also received tips related to these rumors.”
Sarra encouraged parents to let the school district and, after school hours, New Britain Police know of any threats they know about.
Later in the evening, the Consolidated School District of New Britain said online that, “We are aware of the screenshots circulating on social media that tagged ‘NBH’ and ‘NBHS'” adding, “Please note that we continue to work closely with the New Britain Police Department to investigate this and all other posts that are being sent our way.”
Many people responded to the announcements online with calls to have schools go to remote learning or close for the day.
“School should just be cancelled or remote learning,” one person wrote, adding that it is, “not fair to make students or parents have to worry all day and stress kids out even more.”
Another person wrote, “Please, for the safety of all the children and school personnel, we ask the superintendent to close all the schools in New Britain, please, for the safety, close them all until you feel that the children and staff are going to be safe.”
But another person wrote that, “You cancel school you let these idiots win. Increase the police presence and investigate where the screen shot originated,” adding, “Don’t allow fear to win.”
In her statement earlier in the day, Serra urged parents to, “Please talk with your children about the importance of responsible behavior while using social media, as well as the importance of notifying you, school administration, or the police when such threats are made. If you have any immediate concerns, please contact your child’s school or the New Britain Police Department.”
