Timberline High School is located in East Boise.
smiler@idahostatesman.com
The Boise School District and Boise Police are investigating an incident in which a group of students allegedly shared violent messages threatening a female student.
A petition calling for administrative action was launched on Saturday and garnered more than 5,000 signatures in a single day.
The petition alleged that members of the Timberline High School football team wrote messages in which they wanted to rape and kill a fellow student during a group chat on Snapchat, a social network and messaging app. The petition creator did not immediately respond to the Idaho Statesman’s request for comment.
The petition was launched after photos began circulating online and among students showing messages from the group chat. The Idaho Statesman received screenshots of the messages but was unable to verify them.
The petition asked school administrators to remove the students from the football team and expel them from Timberline. He also called on schools to implement proactive policies for the future, such as “comprehensive education on respectful behavior and consent, as well as a platform for students to report incidents safely and without fear.”
“So far, the administration has not responded properly,” the petition states.
Boise police and school officials say they are investigating
Haley Kramer, a spokeswoman for the Boise Police Department, told the Idaho Statesman that school officials contacted the department’s school resource officer unit and began an investigation. She declined to answer further questions, citing the ongoing investigation.
Ryan Hill, Boise School District communications specialist, sent the Statesman a statement signed by Boise School District administration. The statement said the administration takes “situations involving potential threats, sexual misconduct, harassment, or student safety issues very seriously.”
“The police have been informed and are actively participating in the examination of the case,” indicated the school management. “The District is fully cooperating in this investigation and will continue to coordinate with law enforcement as appropriate. The District will also review and respond to reported conduct in accordance with all applicable Boise School District policies and procedures, including federal Title IX requirements, where applicable, as well as any other student conduct, safety, or disciplinary policies that may apply.”
The Boise school district sent an email to parents and staff Saturday acknowledging receipt of the investigation.
Police and school officials encouraged anyone with information about the incident to contact law enforcement at 208-377-6790.
Chad Wright, Timberline principal, and Tol Gropp, Timberline athletic director, did not respond to questions from the Idaho Statesman.
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