New law would make it easier for students to report threats anonymously

KIRKLAND, Wash. — On Thursday, a state lawmaker will push forward a proposed law to make it easier for students to report school threats anonymously.

On Tuesday, a threatening note was found inside a girls' restroom at Juanita High School in Kirkland.

It read, “Don't come to school on 2/5 if you like your life. I'm sorry, F.”

%

%

The school resource officer was notified, who in turn notified Kirkland police. Officers are running additional patrols as a precaution.

In December, Shorewood High School dealt with a threat of violence.

A parent overheard a student threatening to "shoot up the school" and warning other students not to attend school on that certain day.

The 17-year-old student was arrested.

Because of the continuing threats, a state representative from Spokane wants to create what he calls the Students Protecting Students Program.

Rep. Kevin Parker said he knows the horror of school violence. He was in the cafeteria at Columbine High School outside Denver in 1999 as a volunteer when two students shot up the school.

Parker says his bill is modeled after what Colorado enacted after the shooting and would allow youth to send anonymous information about threats, potential violence, criminal activity or a life-threatening situation.

In the case of Colorado, the program operates 24/7 and tips are given to trained staff and passed along to the appropriate authorities.

The hearing starts in Olympia at 8 a.m. Thursday.

Cox Media Group