Mount Vernon Campus - Campus Alert Threatening Graffiti Message- May 28th

Mount Vernon Campus Students and Employees,

Late yesterday afternoon, Mount Vernon Campus security received a report of graffiti of a threatening nature written inside a stall in the men’s room at the north end of Angst Hall. The message stated: “You think Columbine was bad? Tears will be shed 6/6/08.” We immediately notified the Mount Vernon police department who dispatched an officer to look at and photograph the graffiti. Based on our conversation with police, we are informing you and asking for your assistance.

While we know the vast majority of threats such as this one are false alarms, we must take them seriously and are implementing necessary steps to ensure the safety of students and employees. The number of security personnel is being increased on campus and several off-duty police or sheriff’s deputies will be hired and deployed on campus at various times. Increased police patrols are also occurring around the campus.

Each of you can also assist in campus safety by helping us to identify the potential author of the graffiti. If you have observed behavior or statements during the past week that may be connected to the graffiti message, please immediately contact: 416-7648. You need not be identified, but any information you can provide may help resolve the situation.

We are taking care to avoid unnecessary disruptions to the normal conduct of classes and activities. If you have questions, you may direct them to the president’s office or to any dean. We also will keep you informed of any additional developments.


Gary Tollefson, Ed.D.
President
Skagit Valley College
gary.tollefson@skagit.edu
(360) 416-7997