November 13, 2015

IU Investigating Threatening Comments Made On Social Media

IUPD says the threat was posted anonymously on Yik Yak. - Indiana University

IUPD says the threat was posted anonymously on Yik Yak.

Indiana University

Updated 5 p.m., Friday Nov. 13

BLOOMINGTON -- Indiana University police say they’re investigating threatening and racist comments that were made on social media Friday.

IU police say the threat was posted on Yik Yak, a location-based mobile phone app that allows users to post anonymously.

The post that sparked the investigation read, “If you’re not white, don’t come to class today.”

IU student Chesley Swan says the threat shouldn’t be dismissed.

"This is a serious matter. I think people are kind of taking it as a joke," Swan said. "We need to see if these threats are serious."

Police are working with Yik Yak to track down the person who made the comment.

Student Javon Hankins says those who are involved in the social media chatter are being immature.

"Most recently I saw some things being said, racially driven," Hankins said. "At the same time, I feel like both sides don’t want to have a real conversation."

IUPD says they’re taking the situation seriously but don’t know the intent of the post.

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