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A drag show set for Lycoming College will be rescheduled due to a threat to shoot up those at the event.
The college and Williamsport Bureau of Police say they are investigating a report that a group of students were overheard talking about "shooting up" the show and anyone attending.
After a second threat occurred about an hour before the Saturday evening show sponsored by Gender & Sexuality Alliance, college President Kent C. Trachte had it rescheduled for another time prior to the end of the semester.
"We write with a message expressing our outrage over an incident that took place on campus last week and was directed at our LGBTQ+ community and allies," Trachte said.
"We ask that all community members join us in solidarity and make clear that Lycoming College does not tolerate hatred and discriminatory words and behaviors," Trachte said.
Police support proceeding with the event and will provide a police presence, according to city police Chief Justin Snyder.
The show's postponement happened once the college administration received a report that a group of students had been overheard in the dining hall talking about 'shooting up' the drag show and anyone attending and then laughing.
For the past several days, the college and police have been investigating, which is an expression of hatred that has no place in our community and could be considered a terroristic threat, the college president noted.
Counseling services are available to anyone needing immediate support prompted by this disturbing incident, he said.
The college administration met with the members of GSA and they have affirmed their plans to hold the drag show, an event that is a statement about freedom of expression and embracing diverse identities.
Freedom of expression and building a culture that embraces diverse identities are values that are foundational to the college. To uphold those values, it is essential that "we collectively take a stand against all words of hatred directed at our LGTBQ+ community, especially those that seek to intimidate by invoking violence," Trachte said.
The administration, including Dean Miller, dean of students, are joining in solidarity and making clear the college does not tolerate hatred or discriminatory words and behavior toward this community or anyone else.