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GEORGE WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL
600 32nd Avenue
San Francisco, California 94121
(415) 750-8400
February 22, 2019
Dear GWHS Community,
I am writing to inform you of GWHS’ recent discovery of an online social media handle that was used to make a threat to bring harm to our school community, and as an outlet for bullying students. We discovered that quite a few GWHS students follow this Instagram account. We immediately reported the Instagram threat to the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD), who began an investigation on February 20, 2019.
SFPD conducted a quick investigation and I was informed late yesterday that SFPD identified a suspect and are addressing the criminal aspect of the individual’s actions. Separately, we are continuing to investigate the nature and extent of the posts under this Instagram handle so that we can take the necessary steps to provide a safe learning community at GWHS.
Students, please remember that creating a false online profile does not protect you from criminal and other consequences. If you are aware of an account that is making threats to the school or any individual, do not follow the account and report it immediately.
Many students and staff who were aware of the Instagram posts may feel a variety of emotions, including shock, sadness, and anger. I want you to know that your feelings matter, and there is support available. Our Wellness center is available to meet with students and staff who may need additional support.
It can be disappointing and stressful any time hurtful language, hate or threats of violence touches us. Every member of the GWHS community deserves to feel safe and respected during the school day. Using hurtful/threatening posts on social media is not ok, and is not what GWHS is about. We ask for all of your cooperation in reporting harmful and hurtful social media posts about our school community, to stop following and contributing to burn pages, and that parents and guardians be watchful over your students’ online activity.
We have had many classroom lessons on cyber safety and using social media responsibly. Here is a link to some resources and information that you may find helpful:
Sincerely,
Ms. Saunders
Your Principal
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