Ohio College Going Virtual Amid Threats To Its Campus

College Blonde Soccer Twins Go Viral on Media Day (1:01)

A college in Ohio is going virtual this week amid threats to the campus.

Clark State College in Springfield, Ohio announced this week that it will be going all virtual amid threats. Springfield, Ohio has become home to a wild narrative this week, following comments made at the debate on Tuesday night by former United States president Donald Trump. There were unverified claims that immigrants were eating pet dogs and cats in Springfield. The Ohio town has become home to several Haitian immigrants.

Unfortunately, Clark State College, which is based in Springfield, Ohio, is now forced to go all-virtual.

People watch as Springfield Police Department officers investigate the Springfield City Hall after bomb threats were made against buildings earlier in the day in Springfield, Ohio on September 12, 2024. A government building and school were evacuated after an alleged bomb threat Thursday in Springfield, Ohio, local media reported, rattling the small city at the heart of an anti-migrant conspiracy theory amplified by Donald Trump. Springfield has been thrust into the spotlight in recent days after an unfounded story of Haitian migrants eating pets went viral on social media, with the Republican ex-president and current White House candidate pushing the narrative despite it being debunked. (Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT / AFP) (Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP via Getty Images)

ROBERTO SCHMIDT/Getty Images

Clark State College announced the decision on social media on Sunday evening.

Clark State College is taking proactive measures to ensure the well-being of all students, faculty and staff.

Late Saturday, Sept. 14, the college received an email threat via the admissions link on our website, which raised concerns about a possible shooting. On Sunday, Sept. 15, we received an email of a bomb threat to the Springfield campus. We took immediate action with the Springfield Police Department and they have ensured our campus is secure and safe.

Out of an abundance of caution, Clark State College will conduct all instruction virtually and close all campuses for the week of Sept. 16-20. Employees should work from home. All activities are cancelled. The Rhodes Hall Open House will be rescheduled. If students have questions, please contact your instructor.

We understand the anxiety that such incidents can cause and we are treating this matter with the utmost seriousness and care. As a proactive measure, Springfield Police will also increase their security presence on campus, and we are working with our wellness team and partners to provide additional counseling services.

We remain dedicated to providing strong academic programs and will work to ensure minimal disruption to our educational environment, but we will always prioritize the safety and wellness of our students, employees and community. We appreciate your understanding during this challenging time.

Anyone with information is asked to speak out to Johnny Lemen at lemenj@clarkstate.edu or 937-328-3855.

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