Concerning Social Media Post Results in Police Presence at ELHS Today

A letter sent to East Lansing High School families, staff, and students from the administration notified families that local law enforcement would be present at the school this morning, Feb. 25, following a concerning social media post made last evening.

“We know that many of you are aware of and concerned with a social media post from last evening,” read the letter. “Administration was made aware of this post, along with an OK2SAY report, late last night. We have been in communication with the family and with local law enforcement.” 

“School will be open today – we will have police onsite in the morning as an additional precaution,” the letter continued. “We thank the students and adults who alerted us to this post and those who contacted OK2SAY – reporting concerns to an adult is one of the best measures we can take to keep one another safe.”

OK2Say is a portal where anyone can “confidentially report tips on criminal activities or potential harm directed at Michigan students, school employees, or schools.”

Following the murder of George Floyd, East Lansing Public Schools stopped employing a School Resource Officer (an ELPD police officer assigned part-time to the schools), but Superintendent Dori Leyko made clear that police would be invited in the school buildings as needed. 

East Lansing Info does not have any details about the social media post in question. Superintendent Leyko was not immediately available for comment. 

Responding to an inquiry from ELi, Lt. Chad Pride of the East Lansing Police Department wrote over email, saying, “Yes, we did receive a call and we have taken a report. We have contacted the parents of the juvenile and the child will not be attending school today. Our officers will be present this morning at the high school, and we will continue to pay special attention to the high school throughout the day.”

This morning, several parents and teachers expressed concern about safety and security, calling the email vague.

This article was updated at 9:25 a.m. on Feb. 25, 2022 to reflect a response from ELPD.