Timberline High School is in East Boise.
Sarah A. Miller
smiller@idahostatesman.com
The Boise School District and Boise police are investigating an incident in which a group of students allegedly shared violent messages threatening a female student.
A petition calling for administrative action launched Saturday and garnered more than 5,000 signatures in a single day.
The petition alleged that members of the Timberline High School football team wrote messages about wanting to rape and kill a fellow student in a group chat on Snapchat, a social media and messaging app. The petition’s listed creator did not immediately respond to the Idaho Statesman’s request for comment.
The petition launched after photos began circulating online and among students that allegedly show messages from the group chat. The Idaho Statesman received screenshots of the messages but has been unable to verify them.
The petition asked for school administrators to remove the students from the football team and expel them from Timberline. It also called on schools to implement proactive policies for the future, such as “comprehensive education on respectful behavior and consent, as well as a platform for students to safely report incidents without fear.”
“So far, the administration has failed to properly respond,” the petition stated.
Boise police, school officials say they are investigating
Haley Kramer, a Boise Police Department spokesperson, told the Idaho Statesman that school officials reached out to the department’s School Resource Officer Unit and that they have begun an investigation. She declined to answer further questions, citing the ongoing investigation.
Ryan Hill, Boise School District communications specialist, sent the Statesman a statement signed by the Boise School District Administration. The statement said the administration takes “situations involving potential threats, sexual misconduct, harassment, or matters of student safety very seriously.”
“Law enforcement has been notified and is actively involved in reviewing the matter,” the school administration said. “The District is cooperating fully with that investigation and will continue to coordinate with law enforcement as appropriate. The District will also review and respond to the reported conduct under all applicable Boise School District policies and procedures, including federal Title IX requirements when applicable, as well as any other student conduct, safety, or disciplinary policies that may apply.”
The Boise School District emailed parents and staff on Saturday to acknowledge the investigation.
Police and school officials encouraged anyone with information about the incident to contact law enforcement at 208-377-6790.
Chad Wright, Timberline’s principal, and Tol Gropp, Timberline’s athletic director, did not respond to the Idaho Statesman’s questions.