Gananda School students released early Wednesday due to ‘social media threat’ ahead of rally

GANANDA, N.Y. (WHEC) — The Gananda School District says it released its students from class early on Wednesday due to what it says was a social media threat.

The district says the threat was picked up by law enforcement prior to a planned protest outside the middle school that organizers said was in support of a child whose mother was arrested after a fight over masks last week.

The district says the threat came from an individual who was planning to attend the rally.

"We were not planning an early dismissal, however, it was the best option we had under the ever-changing circumstances we continually find ourselves in," Superintendent Dr. Shawn Van Scoy said, "Threats are not tolerated in any way, shape, or form.”

The protest followed the Friday arrest of Laine Mulye, who police say fought a bus monitor after getting into an argument over the district’s mask policy. Mulye’s attorney, Chad Hummel disputed the district’s report, though Van Scoy defended the monitor’s actions.

The GSD requires students to mask up indoors, including while on the school bus.

Students returned to classes at all schools as usual on Thursday.