MXC, SXU Close After Threats

By Margaret Lyons in News on Apr 14, 2008 5:40PM

Local colleges are closed today following separate written threats of violence. Malcolm X College canceled classes today and evacuated its campus, and St. Xavier University cleared its campus over the weekend after threats were scrawled in a dorm bathroom.

From SXU's president:

Two instances of threatening graffiti found on April 5 and April 10 in Regina Hall, a freshman residence hall, have violated the spirit of these [school] values. On the considered advice of the multiple law enforcement agencies pursuing the case, we have chosen to close Saint Xavier University indefinitely beginning tonight due to the specific nature of the second message found on April 10, which read: "Be prepared to die on 4/14."

Classes at MXC are suspended indefinitely as well as police investigate the threats. Two high schools and two elementary schools near St. Xavier also closed as a precautionary measure.[Trib, S-T, WBBM, photo by Wally G]