W&J Returns To Normal After Threat Identified

February 27, 2025 4:59 am

Washington and Jefferson College has announced that all in-person activities will resume today and all students are expected to attend classes.  In a release, President Elizabeth MacLeod Walls said “I am very happy to share with you that, thanks to outstanding and collaborative work across departments, we identified the individual who posted threatening remarks on Yik Yak. This individual already has a binding agreement with W&J not to be on campus; all evidence we have gathered indicates that he is not on campus and points to him being several hours away. Law enforcement will be recommending that prosecutors pursue legal recourse to ensure that the individual is held accountable for his actions. Our Student Life staff and others will take further disciplinary action regarding the student’s violation of our Code of Conduct and other policies.”  The identity of the individual was not released.  Yik Yak is an anonymous online platform that is used by college students. The anonymous threat reportedly asked, “How many people you think I can kill if I shoot the joint up?” And an anonymous response saying “30-50”.  She thanked the “outstanding and collaborative work across departments”.  As a result of the incident,  she says they will be arranging for active shooter training again this spring.