Continuing a recent string of school districts that have received reports about social media posts referencing violence on school campuses, Orange County Schools are on high alert and are investigating “vague” posts on Friday.

A release shared by the school district and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office said personnel with each are working together to examine and investigate some posts and images reported on Thursday night that made reference to “a possible threat to school safety.” The alert said no credible threat to Orange County Schools has been identified as of Friday morning.

The sheriff’s office, however, said there are additional law enforcement officers patrolling and monitoring Orange County Schools campuses on Friday out of “an abundance of caution.”

“When there is a credible or actual threat to safety,” read the joint statement, “be assured that both Orange County Schools and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office will keep schools and the community informed and take all appropriate steps to ensure the safety of students and staff.”

The investigation comes after the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools district saw some of its schools mentioned in a social media post earlier in the week, which similarly made threats of violence toward multiple school communities in North Carolina. A pair of juveniles were arrested in the greater Charlotte area over the posts and CHCCS administrators sent a message to families on Tuesday night alerting them to incident, saying investigators believe the posts did not represent “a credible threat in the Charlotte area, or here in Chapel Hill-Carrboro.”

Additionally, the Durham County Sheriff’s Office had two consecutive days where its office was tipped off to social media posts suggesting there could be violence at local schools. Sheriff Clarence Birkhead said while investigators found no credible threat from the posts, he warned that making such allusions or references online is a serious crime and his office would pursue all possible actions whenever such threats arise.

Orange County Schools, as well as the sheriff’s office, recommend anyone who has information regarding a potential threat to school safety reaches out to school leadership directly. You can also contact law enforcement or use the ‘Say Something’ Anonymous Reporting System to alert authorities.

Featured photo via the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for our newsletter.

Related Stories
‹
Orange County Schools Bans Confederate Flag
After nearly a year of debate and deliberation, the Orange County Schools Board of Education unanimously approved a new dress code that specifically bans students from wearing the Confederate flag, the swastika or other symbols of oppression. Board chairman Stephen Halkiotis said he was moved by the events at a white supremacists rally in Charlottesville, […]
Orange County School Committee Approves Revised Dress Code Aimed at Banning Confederate Flag
A revised dress code policy is set to go back before the Orange County Schools Board of Education. The board’s policy committee unanimously passed a revised dress code policy on Wednesday. The procedural move was necessary to move the policy back before the full school board. Orange County Schools superintendent Dr. Todd Wirt said action […]
Orange County Discusses Bond Projects and State Budget Delay With Local School Boards
The Orange County Board of Commissioners recently held a joint meeting with the local school boards to hear updates from each district.
Here Are Top Takeaways From The Chamber's 2025 State of the Community Report
The Chamber for a Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro held its 18th State of the Community presentation for local leaders on May 7
José Hidalgo Named Orange County Schools Teacher of the Year
José Hidalgo, a seventh-grade science teacher at A.L. Stanback Middle School in Hillsborough, was named the Orange County Schools Teacher of the Year Friday afternoon. Hidalgo was chosen from among 13 teachers who were named Teachers of the Year at their respective schools. “Hidalgo’s selflessness, dedication to his work, and ability to form strong relationships […]
Orange County Schools Closed, CHCCS Declares Remote Learning for Thursday As Cold Temps Keep Snow and Ice
Thanks to a light snow that fell Tuesday night, the Orange County community saw its schools cancel instruction on Wednesday.
Voters Approve Bond Referendums in Orange County, Chapel Hill For Schools and Infrastructure Projects
Voters in Orange County made their support of funding major school infrastructure projects and various Chapel Hill projects clear on Tuesday.
Orange County Schools Opens New Family Resource Center at New Hope Elementary
Organizers with the federal Community Schools Grant Program and Orange County leaders opened the New Hope Family Resource Center on Thursday.
What Do The Orange County, Chapel Hill Bond Referendums Mean? Here's What to Know
More and more people will begin heading to the polls starting Thursday for the 2024 general election, thanks to early voting getting underway and Election Day being less than three weeks away. While most voters’ attention will be toward the top of the ballot for the presidential and statewide elections, local government officials are urging […]
Sheriff's Office, Orange County Schools Offer More Security After 'Vague' Social Media Posts
Orange County Schools and the Orange County Sheriff's Office are investigating social media posts that allude to threatening school safety.
›