Security concerns close county schools Friday

A day before students were set to go on winter break, Augusta County canceled school because of security concerns following an Islamic calligraphy controversy in world geography class that garnered national attention.

At 3:30 p.m. Thursday, parents were notified that all sports and extracurricular activities were canceled and schools were being locked down. No reason was given at that time.

About two hours later, Superintendent Eric Bond posted a statement on the school division’s website, and sent a press release to media, saying school would be canceled Friday. In addition, all activities for the weekend were canceled and all administrative offices were for the weekend.

In his statement, Bond said the division had received an overwhelming amount of electronic communication about the Riverheads High School religious calligraphy controversy, which only increased Thursday. The “tone and content” of the emails grew concerning for administrators, and Bond, school board members and Sheriff Randy Fisher came to the decision to cancel class on Friday.

Augusta County students won’t return to school until Jan. 4. Twelve-month employees will report to work on Monday and Tuesday.

The increase in security concerns follow a parent's complaint about a Riverheads High School teacher who offered a world geography lesson on Islam. The teacher had students copy Arabesque calligraphy of the shahada, an Islamic faith statement. Conservative Christian parents in the community were outraged and hosted a heated forum on Tuesday night at a small, rural Greenville church. The resulting national media attention has led to security concerns.

“While there has been no specific threat of harm to students, schools and school offices will be closed Friday, Dec. 18, 2015,” Bond’s statement read. “All extra-curricular activities are likewise canceled for tonight, Thursday, December 17, through the weekend. We regret having to take this action, but we are doing so based on the recommendations of law enforcement and the Augusta County School Board out of an abundance of caution.”