Today at Dunbar, many students viewed tweets about potential violence at school. Some even called home and asked to be checked out of school. Thanks to the far-reaching effects of social media, rumors of violence at school spread quickly.

Principal Betsy Rains addressed the whole school over the intercom to dispel these rumors, and to assure students.

“Our students are safe and in no danger,” she said. “If there was a credible threat, our school would have been placed in a lockdown.”

The claim of possible gun violence was thoroughly investigated by Dunbar’s administration as well as Fayette County Law Enforcement, and it was determined that there was no threat at Dunbar’s campus. Even so, Fayette County Public Schools Department of Law Enforcement sent additional officers to help with the investigation, and to provide a reassuring presence on campus.

As soon as the rumors were brought to their attention, Dunbar’s administration worked quickly with law enforcement to make sure that staff, students, and parents understand that the building was secure, and there is no threat.

In a letter sent to parents, Principal Rains also stressed the importance of controlling the rapid spread of misinformation through social media following this event.

“Students who are aware of a real threat to safety should absolutely share what they have heard with a trusted adult,” she said, “but unfounded rumors such as today’s situation only cause unnecessary panic and concern across our school and community.”