Loyd
Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. Board District 3 candidate Whittney Loyd said she and two other candidates have been the victim of a threat that has been reported to Columbus police.
Loyd said an individual within Bartholomew County made a threat against her, BCSC School Board District 5 candidate Leigh Britt and BCSC School Board District 7 candidate Nicole Wheeldon.
“There was a threat made to Leigh, Nicole and myself, and we felt as if it needed to be reported,” Loyd said. “We were grateful for the Columbus Police Department responding swiftly to it. They have investigated it, and we are safe. We’re grateful for that. I do think there are heightened emotions around the school board race this year.”
CPD spokesman Sgt. Skylar Berry said Thursday that Columbus police were investigating a threat made to a group of local candidates.
“A group of candidates sent a mass text (message) out, and somebody replied to that text message (with what could be perceived as a threat),” Berry said.
However, Berry declined to provide more information about the incident, including which candidates received the threat, because the investigation was ongoing.
Loyd said none of the three candidates’ opponents made the threat.
The threat comes amid recent polling that finds that American voters are approaching the upcoming election with deep unease, The Associated Press reported. Local officials and candidates have said there are some “heightened emotions” heading into the election.
Earlier this week, BCSC Superintendent Chad Phillips issued a statement encouraging parents “to talk with your children about the importance of kindness and respect in the days after the election, regardless of who wins.”
The statement, which also was signed by Bartholomew County Democratic Party Chair Ross Thomas and Bartholomew County Republican Party Chair Luann Welmer, did not specifically mention the school board races.
“As we approach Election Day, we are reminded of the importance of supporting a positive and respectful environment for all in the days and weeks after the election,” according to the statement. “In particular, our schools are places where students, staff and families come together to learn, grow and rise to the challenge of high expectations — no matter our backgrounds or beliefs. While we support constructive debate and discussion of differing viewpoints, school should be a place where all students feel safe and welcome.”
The BCSC school board races have drawn considerable interest this year, with more than $75,000 pouring into the three races as of Oct. 11.
Local law enforcement officials have said they are aware of the heightened tensions nationwide surrounding the upcoming election and will have extra officers on duty on Election Day on Tuesday, including additional security at the Bartholomew County Courthouse on election night as the votes are being counted.
Loyd said “safety is certainly a concern” for the three candidates and plans to remain diligent.
“We don’t want anything to happen to anybody and hope that all of the candidates — not only school board but all candidates here locally and across the state — remain safe and well throughout this process,” Loyd said. “And I hope that everyone can be supportive of one another regardless of the outcome.”
“I believe all school board candidates want what’s best for our community, and I am optimistic that the race from here on out will be one of positivity,” she said.
