Wittenberg University Suspends On-Campus Operations Due to Safety Concerns

Wittenberg University, a Division III institution in Springfield, Ohio, has canceled all sporting events through Sunday. The university cited safety concerns on campus as the reason for this decision, according to an announcement made on Tuesday. While no specific threats were disclosed, the university referenced "ongoing" dangers. The university also announced that all classes will be conducted online for the remainder of the week. On Saturday, Wittenberg had already canceled all events scheduled for Sunday, including various sporting competitions. After receiving new threats on Monday, the university decided to extend these precautionary measures and is working closely with law enforcement agencies. "After receiving new threats on Monday, September 16, in the context of ongoing threats of violence on our campus and within the Springfield community, Wittenberg will transition to remote learning for the entire remainder of the week (September 16 - September 22). The university takes every threat seriously, and the Wittenberg Police Department is collaborating closely with other law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate all threats against our campus, staff, and students," the university said in a statement. Initial reports indicate that the security concerns began last week following a presidential debate when former President Donald Trump repeated an unfounded rumor that Haitian immigrants in Springfield had been kidnapping and eating pets. On Monday, two elementary schools were evacuated due to bomb threats. According to the New York Times, there have been a total of 33 bomb threats against schools in the city since Trump's remarks. The Springfield City Hall and two hospitals were also reportedly threatened, according to the newspaper. On Monday, Governor DeWine announced that he would be sending state police to the city to provide a sense of security to Springfield residents. "We must take every threat seriously, but children deserve to attend school and parents deserve to know that their children are safe," said the governor. "The additional security will help alleviate some of the fears caused by these deceptions." Wittenberg had several teams scheduled to participate in various events between Tuesday and Sunday, including the men's and women's soccer, cross country, tennis, field hockey, volleyball, and golf teams, as well as the football team. Particularly affected is the women's cross-country team, which will miss the All-Ohio Championship events on Friday due to the cancellations.