Romulus Community Schools cancels homecoming game due to reported threat of violence
The Romulus Community Schools district said it has canceled Friday's homecoming game after receiving "credible information that there is a coordinated intention to incite violence."
Superintendent Benjamin P. Edmonson says he knew he had to act after the Romulus High School principal alerted him of the threat.
"Alleged gang activity, so you have this versus this, talking about 'We gonna do this,'" Edmonson said. "You can't redo if something happens and you didn't take it seriously."
Edmonson commended the students who reported the threat. Officials are working to reschedule Friday's matchup against Dearborn Heights District 7 and the homecoming dance.
"We can take great pride in knowing that the students who reported this to US did the right thing by coming forward to inform the appropriate authorities in a timely manner ... we can take a lesson from the integrity of these students by ensuring we are as diligent and timely in reporting any awareness of potential harm or threat to our district and community," Edmondson said.
For the mother of one high school football player, the cancellation meant putting homecoming plans on hold. She says the family has been getting ready for a big weekend.
"We just got his suit from out the cleaners yesterday (Thursday). He had a his haircut appointment scheduled for tomorrow, so he wouldn't be delayed," she said.
Edmonson urged parents to talk with their children about making threats. He apologizes to families and hopes area businesses can help cover security and other costs once the event is rescheduled.
