Classes cancelled at Wayne-Westland schools after social media threats

(WJBK) - Royal Oak, Berkley, South Lyon - more than a dozen local schools have been the targets of threats in the wake of the deadly shooting in Florida two weeks ago. The latest target is Wayne-Westland school district, which cancelled all classes today.

"I want my grandkids to be able to go to school and be safe. I want to know that once they go in there they can be safe," said Barb Allison, a grandmother from Garden City.

Entire Wayne-Westland school district cancel classes following social media threats

It's a concern parents and grandparents are all too familiar with as school threats continue to mount after the Parkland school shooting in Florida that left 17 people dead.

On Monday night, Wayne-Westland community schools made the decision to cancel classes on Tuesday after threats were made on social media.

"You don't even want to go to school anymore, you're afraid for your life now. When is it going to stop?" said Kurt Bialecki, a Westland resident.

School superintendent Dr. Shelley Holt recorded a message for parents: 

"Parents and families we need your help. These threats are coming from someone's social media account and we need your assistance to ensure it is not coming from your home," she said.

Students who make threats can face serious consequences, even if they have no intention of hurting anyone.

"Whether it's a real threat or just to get out of school thing, they need to be charged with a crime at this point," Allison said.

Threat of terrorism is a felony that can carry up to 20 years in prison and affect a student for the rest of his or her life.

Wayne-Westland community schools is hosting a series of meetings over the next two weeks to address how schools keep students and staff safe in today's climate. CLICK HERE for more information.