(WWJ) Several local Catholic schools canceled class the day after Halloween due to social media threats.
School officials have confirmed to WWJ that classes were canceled for Friday at De La Salle, Detroit Catholic Central, U-D Jesuit, and De La Salle's sister school, Regina High School, after threats were made on social media.
U-D Jesuit sent a note to parents, saying, ""Due to an implied threat, we are joining other Catholic Schools in the area over an abundance of caution to cancel school while we investigate. Further information will be provided before Monday."
The other schools sent an announcement Thursday they would close Friday due to a threat involving a shooting rampage during Mass.
The day after Halloween is traditionally known by Catholics as All Saints Day, a time when those who follow that religion are meant to remember saints and martyrs with special prayers and a Mass. All Saints Day services usually include a reading of the Beatitudes, and the eight blessings from the Sermon on the Mount. Some celebrants also visit graves, leave offerings for dead relatives, and light candles in church.
But not this year, at least not for students at these four schools.
For De La Salle, this closure comes as the school announced the football team will forfeit its first-round playoff game against Birmingham Groves, effectively ending the season. The season ended over allegations of hazing with a broomstick used in a 'sexual manner.'
De La Salle also had a 17-year-old student arrested Thursday for bringing a knife to class to 'get even' with two students he said were bullying him. This was unrelated to the football hazing.
