Wittenberg University Moves Classes Online Due to Threats

Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio, has decided to move classes online and cancel on-campus activities from September 16 to 22 following a recent threat the school received. The university’s alert system stated that the cancellation was a precautionary measure due to ongoing threats to the university in recent days.

The threats came after false claims were made by former President Trump and his running mate, Senator JD Vance (R-Ohio), stating that Haitian immigrants in Springfield eat residents’ pets. Springfield officials have denied these claims, stating that they are unfounded.

According to the university’s alert system, “Wittenberg police, local law enforcement, and the FBI continue to evaluate the threat, and all classes and most operations will be held remotely at least through Sunday, September 22, and on-campus activities and events will be canceled.” Additionally, “the Wittenberg and Springfield police departments will be more active on and off campus.”

Michael Frandsen, president of Wittenberg University, appeared on CNN to discuss the threat. He stated that “some of the threats were very general, some of them were specific, and they actually mentioned students by name.”

Since the false claims were made, there have been over 30 bomb threats in the city, according to the Associated Press. The university’s decision to move classes online and cancel on-campus activities is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of its students and staff.