On Friday, August 23, two FBI agents visited the Wolcott School to inform them of a possible threat to the school made on social media. The investigation was due to an image allegedly posted on a Snapchat story that included a picture of a gun and had text regarding a school shooter. After the investigation, the FBI concluded that there was no threat and there would be no further investigation or action. 

The Wolcott School is a private college-prep high school in West Town. Classes had been in session for two days before the FBI notified the school of a threat.

Despite their reputation for anonymity among users, Snapchat allows users to report bullying and other inappropriate posts and pictures. The platform can release user information to law enforcement in case of an investigation.

The school is handling both the situation and the student following the Wolcott Code of Conduct. The code of conduct states that Wolcott can monitor and access information such as posts or other content that was posted from a school device or on the school system. Off-campus actions on the internet that negatively affect Wolcott’s reputation are considered misuse. 

The goal of their Code of Conduct is to “cultivate a respectful, responsible, kind and inclusive environment” and action taken against a student can include discussions, detention, suspension, expulsion, and legal action.

According to Parker’s own Code of Conduct, a threat is considered a major offense as it can be a danger to the school community. “Parker educates students to think and act with empathy,” sophomore Owen Dudney said. “In the context of Snapchat and other social media platforms, I think it basically boils down to not being mean and not being stupid.” 

Social media can also be used for cyberbullying, which is defined in Parker’s Code of Conduct as “bullying through the use of technology or any electronic communication.” These actions affect another student’s health, harm, academic performance, or participation. Cyberbullying may not cause a threat to the whole Parker community, but Parker can investigate and take disciplinary measures against students involved. 

Though an action made on social media platforms may happen outside of school, the student is still responsible and the school can take action. “This is pretty situational, but yes, if a genuine intent is established to harm the school, the school should be brought in,” said Dudney.