Kanawha County schools downplayed death threats sent by student, parent says

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (CITC) — A West Virginia school district downplayed multiple death threats sent by a high schooler to other students, according to a tip received by Crisis in the Classroom (CITC).

The 19-year-old student allegedly sent the threatening messages to three of her classmates at George Washington High School earlier this year. Two screenshots shared with CITC show the student telling one peer "I want to kill you" and "I want to kill your friends."

A parent of one recipient, who spoke with CITC on the condition of anonymity, says the threats were brought to school administrators' attention. However, they were allegedly brushed off out of belief the 19-year-old student is not "mentally capable" of such actions.

"I was just told that she wouldn't hurt anybody," the parent told CITC. "She never has, so she wouldn't."

The first time is always the first time," she continued. "Just because it hasn't happened doesn't mean it couldn't."

The parent has now pulled her child out of George Washington High School due to safety fears. She claims the 19-year-old student still attends the school and will also be attending an upcoming student trip organized by the school district.

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"To my knowledge, absolutely nothing was done," the parent told CITC. "I was like, I need to know if she's still present in the school or my daughter is not returning. I can't consciously send her somewhere where someone is planning to kill her."

When asked to respond to the allegations, a spokesperson for Kanawha County Schools said the district is "aware of the concerns" and is "handling per all appropriate policies and procedures." The spokesperson then directed CITC to the district's student behavior policy, noting that it outlines all behavioral procedures. A review of the policy conducted by CITC determined it states students cannot "threaten" or "attempt to injure another student" either verbally or through written communication.

This includes posting threats on the internet or social networking sites," the policy reads.

Kanawha County Schools also directed CITC to state guidance regarding student discipline. The guidance's section on student expulsion explains such matters are to be handled at the local level, with the exception of any parental appeals claiming a child was not given "procedural due process." Such appeals are given to the state superintendent, according to the guidance.

After receiving the district's initial response, CITC followed up with additional inquires to the district, but has not heard back. This story will be updated if an additional response is received.

Have something for the Crisis in the Classroom team to investigate? Call or text the national tip line at 202-417-7273.