April 20, 2007
LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today said that as Michigan joins with the nation in a day of mourning for the victims of the Virginia Tech massacre, citizens need to remember that this is a time to come together in promoting nonviolence. Granholm is encouraging citizens across Michigan to stand with Virginia and ring bells across the state at noon (EDT) today to remember and honor the victims of the tragedy at Virginia Tech earlier this week.
"As citizens in Virginia and families across the country mourn the loss of so many precious lives, we here in Michigan stand ready to support and honor the many people whose lives were forever altered by this horrific act," Granholm said. "Our commitment to the victims includes solidarity with law enforcement who have pledged a zero tolerance for threats based on Monday's tragedy."
Michigan law provides stiff penalties for bomb threats and terror hoaxes - making a bomb threat, for instance, is a felony and is punishable by up to four years in prison. Granholm said the Michigan State Police and her administration will support prosecution under the full force of the law.
Granholm and Col. Peter Munoz, director of the Department of Michigan State Police, emphasized that they are partners to law enforcement around the state who are being vigilant in guarding against threats against the safety of students.
"We are asking all public colleges and universities to review their emergency plans and to ensure that they have exercised their plans," Munoz said. "Additionally, we have offered the expertise and assistance of our Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division to assist local law enforcement in reviewing their plans. We are also asking the public to remain vigilant and to report suspicious activity to authorities."
In addition to asking universities to review emergency plans, Munoz noted that Michigan was one of the first states in the nation to recognize K-12 schools as critical infrastructure and then provide homeland security funds to help them prepare for emergencies.
Through a 2004 Homeland Security School Initiative, cited as a "best practice by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security," school districts received $8.3 million to update their school safety plans and conduct emergency exercises.
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