BC Responds to Digital Threat

Bluefield College implemented a shelter-in-place protocol around noon on Saturday, January 23, 2021, after an individual threatened through email to come to campus armed.

Approximately 90 minutes later, an assessment of the campus by local law enforcement found no threat, and the protocol was lifted. The email was believed to be a hoax after its origins were investigated.

The shelter-in-place notification was issued through the college’s RamAlert system. Rebecca Kasey, director of Marketing and Public Relations, told WVVA-TV the RamAlert notification system can limit human exposure to a life-threatening, hostile, or hazardous situation. Students should visit MyBC to subscribe to RamAlert messages.

“Keeping us inside of our dorm rooms was a good idea on Campus Safety’s part,” student Jay Harris said in response to the lock-down. Other students agree the situation was handled well.

“I felt safe and sound within my dorm while the threat was assessed,” Kassidy Dyer said. However, other students would like the campus to be better prepared for this type of situation.

“I just feel as though the school buildings should be much more heavily monitored, locked, and safe,” said Olivia Jackson.

Freshman Ethan Stinson suggested the college conduct more active shooter drills to “better plan for events that could’ve turned out much worse.”

“It is sad to say that we have to be prepared for anything in this crazy world we live in,” Dyer added.