TYLER, Texas — Tyler ISD is reaching out to parents for their support in fostering a safe school environment.
Following an increase in threats made against schools both across the country and in East Texas, Tyler ISD is aiming to create a safer district. The district is calling upon parents and guardians for their support.
“Making a threat against a school, whether real or fake, is a crime with very serious legal consequences,” Tyler ISD Police Chief Destry Walsworth said. “These threats not only cause fear among students, staff, and families, but they also divert vital resources away from education and safety efforts.”
According to Tyler ISD, although many incidents and school threats turn out to be hoaxes, the repercussions of even an invalid thread can be significant. Law enforcement is often required to spend substantial time and recourses to investigate threats, distracting them from other essential duties that keep the community safe.
"Tyler ISD is committed to holding accountable those who make threats, but we cannot address this issue alone," the district said in a statement Wednesday. "We urge parents to engage in serious conversations with their children about responsible social media usage, especially the gravity of making threats or spreading false information, even as a joke. Understanding the real-world consequences of such actions is essential for everyone involved."
The district reminded parents that students can face legal repercussions for creating or sharing fake threats, which may lead to restrictions on attending district facilities and events.
“Please know that any threat made, whether online or in person, is taken seriously and thoroughly investigated by our school district and local law enforcement,” Chief Communications Officer Jennifer Hines said. “The safety of our schools depends on swift, yet thorough, decisive action, and we work in partnership with local authorities to ensure that every potential threat is handled appropriately. While safety is our top priority, communication is our second. As soon as information becomes available and is verified for accuracy and credibility, we will communicate directly with parents about the situation and the measures being taken to ensure safety and security."
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