Threats Close Three Schools

Most recently, up to 1,000 students were evacuated from Malcolm X College in Chicago after a threat was found scrawled on a bathroom wall Monday morning. Classes have been canceled until further notice.

Just 20 miles south, classes at St. Xavier University have been canceled indefinitely since Friday after threatening graffiti was found on a bathroom wall in a dormitory, according to the Chicago Tribune. The threat was actually the second in the month (the first was found on April 5) but drew special concern from school officials because of its specificity: "Be prepared to die on 4/14." Classes at three nearby high schools and an elementary school were also canceled Monday because of the schools' proximity to the university.

In Michigan, Oakland University has also closed down until Tuesday evening after threats were found in three different men's bathrooms, the Oakland Post reports. Like the graffiti at St. Xavier's, one threat referenced April 14 specifically. Because the bathroom writings were confined to academic buildings, officials did not close down the dorms, but they urged students to return home if possible.