Four students have been referred to the West Virginia University Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities where they could face disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion. These students were identified as sharing threatening information online and are in violation of the University’s zero-tolerance policy for any behaviors that incite anxiety or fear concerning campus safety.
Four different posts on an anonymous online platform were determined to be knowingly false and heightened anxiety and fear following a Community Notice that had been issued on Sunday alerting the campus to an anonymous letter that had suggested a possible public suicide on Monday. The posts have since been removed.
The University takes these actions very seriously and, in addition to referring to Student Conduct, also will work with the University Police Department to determine legal charges that may be filed for violating local, state or federal laws.
“Anyone making these kinds of threats should be held accountable,” UPD Chief Sherry St. Clair said. “We plan to pursue charges to the fullest extent of the law.”
The University asks that everyone take mental health concerns seriously. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, please reach for assistance. Various counseling and self-help information is available at mental.health.wvu.edu.
“The Mountaineer family continues to reach out to one another and to take each other’s mental health seriously,” said WVU Dean of Students Corey Farris. “We can have no tolerance for actions that disregard the mental health of others on our campus.”
The University is not in receipt of any additional information that would cause concern.
-WVU-
UR/12/08/21
CONTACT: April Kaull
Executive Director of Communications
304-293-3990; April.Kaull@mail.wvu.edu
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