My not so popular opinion.

Monday, December 10, 2007

THIS IS RIDICULOUS!!!

Here is an email that I got from Kyle this morning. NIU has been shut down today due to the threats made. Please pray for the safety of the students and facility, and for the heart of those who made the threats.

The following is an NIU Official Message:

CAMPUS ALERT: POLICE INVESTIGATE ANONYMOUS THREAT IN RESIDENCE HALL

Details: NIU officials are investigating a threat posted late Saturday evening in a campus residence hall which included a racial slur and references to the Virginia Tech shootings.

Written in black ink on a restroom wall in the Grant Towers D complex were two separate entries claiming that "things will change most hastily" in the final days of the current semester.

"Tell those n---ers to go home," the first entry reads. "ME / OUT ... Die Sem Burr 10th ... Hmz Sdn Cr." Officials believe the text message-style shorthand refers to "December 10" and "Holmes Student Center." Underlined letters within the first entry spell out the word "WATCH."

Following the initial entry is a second set of comments reading "What time? The VA tech shooters messed up w/ having only one shooter ..."

University leaders have notified all students, faculty and staff about the threats through postings on the NIU website, all-campus email, voicemail, fliers and area news media. Security in and around the residence halls, student center and other campus buildings has also been increased, and the campus remains under a security alert through the end of the semester.

Additional communications and offers of assistance for students, faculty, staff and visitors will continue throughout the week. Updated information will be provided as it becomes available on the university website at http://www.niu.edu .

"My primary concern is for the safety of all members of our campus community, and to that end, we will err on the side of caution in all our actions," said NIU President John Peters. "We will not tolerate threats against individuals or groups," Peters said, "nor will we tolerate 'hate speech' of any type on this campus."

Final exams will proceed as scheduled, and university officials said students and staff should remain "calm but vigilant." Anyone with information about the threats is urged to contact the NIU Tipline at (815) 753-TIPS, or their local Crimestoppers or law enforcement agency.

2 Comments:

Blogger Christin said...

You're right, it's incredibly ridiculous. and unfortunately becoming more and more commonplace.

VA Tech is my AlmaMater. A friend was shot in the mess. I had had classes in the building where it took place. the whole thing made things like you wrote about HIT HOME.

What's your connection to the campus? does your husband go there? are you feeling at peace?

Dec 10, 2007, 6:23:00 PM  
Blogger Erin said...

I am sorry I should have mentioned that Kyle is my youngest brother who is finishing up his first semester at NIU.

And your right...this kinda gave me a glimpse into the fear that surrounds school shootings and really reminded me that I need to be in prayer for the safety of America's children at school daily.

Dec 10, 2007, 7:33:00 PM  

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