Local, state and federal law enforcement will be monitoring Shippensburg University more closely after an anonymous letter was sent to a faculty member last week, which threatened acts of violence against SU, according to SU officials.
The letter was vague and did not threaten anyone in particular, but it is being taken extremely seriously, said SU president George “Jody” Harpster. The name of the faculty member who discovered it, the person who wrote the letter and the contents of the letter are not being made public as of this time.
An email was sent out to students on Friday to explain that there will be increased security on campus through finals week and the spring graduation ceremony. SU and borough police, along with the Pennsylvania State Police and the United States Postal Service, are investigating the situation.
“The joint investigation will continue as long as necessary until the issue is resolved,” the email said.
SU officials are encouraging everyone to report anything suspicious to university police at (717) 477-1444, or the state police. The Pennsylvania State Police can be reached at the Carlisle station at (717) 248-2121, but in the event of an emergency, dial 911.
“You will see a number of police units moving along campus,” Harpster said.
The SU community should pay attention to people who act unreasonably angry during social interactions, Harpster said. If someone behaves aggressively or violently, quietly walk away and contact the police.
With the end of the semester heightening people’s stress levels, administrators said students who need help handling the stress should contact the counseling center. They remind students that it is a free service available 24/7, and can be reached at (717) 477-1418. Students who think they may know someone who needs help should also contact the center.
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