Cumberland County Schools is urging parents to talk with their children about the growing issue of threats made on school property—reminding families that even “jokes” can now lead to felony charges.
Director of Schools Rebecca Farley released a statement this week emphasizing that the safety of students and staff remains the district’s top priority. Farley highlighted changes in state law that have made threats of mass violence a much more serious offense. The law was strengthened again in 2024, upgrading certain school-related threats to felony crimes.
Farley stressed that any threat—real or not—can lead to criminal charges and could result in a student being taken into custody. To respond quickly and appropriately, Cumberland County Schools works with a multi-agency Threat Assessment Task Force. That team includes the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, Crossville Police Department, the 13th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, and the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
The district is asking parents to take time to speak with their children about the gravity of making any type of threat. Farley notes that the consequences are “life-altering” and that such statements are never a joking matter.
Cumberland County Schools thanked families for partnering with them to help keep classrooms safe.
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