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9/26/2006
Contact: K.E. Schwab -- 724-738-2199;
e-mail: karl.schwab@sru.edu
TEENAGER ADMITS RESPONSIBILITY FOR STARTING
SRU STUDENT SHOOTING RUMOR;
OFFICIALS CALL SITUATION A HOAX
SLIPPERY
ROCK, Pa. – After thorough investigation today, it has been
determined there was no actual threat to shoot African-American
students on the Slippery Rock University campus after a Slippery
Rock area teenager accepted responsibility for initiating the
rumor. University officials have labeled the incident a
hoax.
Slippery
Rock University Police spent some 16 hours late Sunday evening and
most of Monday tracking down the rumor that SRU African-American
students would be shot on campus after it was relayed from person
to person throughout the campus and community. Some who heard of
the threat called local and university police. Steps were
immediately taken to increase police presence on campus and
students were informed this morning through a campuswide e-mail
safety alert of the rumor dispatched by SRU President Robert Smith.
Students were also told escort service available 24 hours per day,
seven days a week could be obtained by calling University
Police.
The
university will request any possible charges against the youth be
pursued by the Pennsylvania State Police since the remarks were
made in state police jurisdiction.
“It
is indeed unfortunate rumors like this can gain credibility so
quickly,” said Dr. Constance Foley, vice president for
student life, adding, “Our police and our campus community
took these reports very seriously and certainly our students and
their parents -- were distressed to hear of such threats. I credit
University Police for efficiently and expeditiously bringing this
matter to a conclusion. The safety of SRU’s students, staff,
visitors and other members of the community remained our priority,
and we will continue our policy of not tolerating such activities.
We have a very safe campus, and the entire campus is to be
commended for giving this situation such attention. I am proud our
police were so quickly able to resolve the situation, and I believe
the campus will return to normal very quickly.”
PN, PGN, PR, WPN, PTV, S
xxx
SafetyAlertFINAL.KES..doc
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