Threats of Violence Against Olean High School Underscore Need for Senate School Safety Package
Statement from Senator Catharine Young
“Today we learned that a threat to ‘shoot up’ Olean High School was found written on a bathroom wall at the school. School officials swiftly notified police who investigated and identified a 15-year old student who confessed to making the threat. This threat was the second one within the past week. On March 14, a 14-year old student was arrested after she made verbal threats against the school following the ‘Walk Out for Awareness’ event.
While we are relieved that the perpetrators of both these incidents have been identified and charged, reprehensible acts like these understandably instill terror among students, parents and school staff. We need stronger protections for our children and tougher punishments for those who threaten or commit violence.
That is why the Senate’s comprehensive school safety package is of urgent importance. This far-reaching measure would strengthen the laws regarding threats against schools, expand and improve mental health services for students and ensure that all schools can hire School Resource Officers, among many other things.
We implore Assembly Democrats and Governor Cuomo to join us in supporting and enacting these protections. The safety of our children when they are at school is a priority that shouldn’t require compromise or delay. The consequences of inaction could be tragic.”
Statement from Senator Catharine Young
“Today we learned that a threat to ‘shoot up’ Olean High School was found written on a bathroom wall at the school. School officials swiftly notified police who investigated and identified a 15-year old student who confessed to making the threat. This threat was the second one within the past week. On March 14, a 14-year old student was arrested after she made verbal threats against the school following the ‘Walk Out for Awareness’ event.
While we are relieved that the perpetrators of both these incidents have been identified and charged, reprehensible acts like these understandably instill terror among students, parents and school staff. We need stronger protections for our children and tougher punishments for those who threaten or commit violence.
That is why the Senate’s comprehensive school safety package is of urgent importance. This far-reaching measure would strengthen the laws regarding threats against schools, expand and improve mental health services for students and ensure that all schools can hire School Resource Officers, among many other things.
We implore Assembly Democrats and Governor Cuomo to join us in supporting and enacting these protections. The safety of our children when they are at school is a priority that shouldn’t require compromise or delay. The consequences of inaction could be tragic.”
