Noblesville coalition holds conversation on diversity, safety after school threat

NOBLESVILLE, Ind. (WISH) — The Noblesville community came together Saturday after a Friday threat against Noblesville High School. 

Officials with Noblesville Schools called a meeting Saturday at the Noblesville Ivy Tech campus so the community could have a conversation about diversity and safety.

Noblesville police Lt. Bruce Barnes said the threat was found in a bathroom stall at the high school while students were at school. The police department was made aware of the threat around 11 a.m. Friday. 

The police department said the suspect in connection to the threatening message, a 15-year-old male Noblesville High School student, was quickly identified and detained as a result of the collaborative effort of school officials and police. 

A Friday afternoon statement from Noblesville Schools said the threat “involved ugly, derogatory racial statements and referenced a school shooting this coming Monday.”

The Noblesville Diversity Coalition invited the community for a conversation Saturday, saying Noblesville doesn’t tolerate racism, hatred ot violence toward others.

“This is a very difficult time for Noblesville Schools and the Noblesville community. But I feel very hopeful with this large turnout today that together as a community we’ve shown togetherness and support and love and compassion for one another in the past. And I think that same sentiment will get us through this as well.”

The district says it will have increased security on site at school Monday and plans for breakout sessions for students regarding race.

Expulsion proceedings began Friday for the suspect in the threat.