A threat to the Southside High School cheer team and Southern Belles was found on Friday, September 10. Out of precaution, the Southside administration decided to hold back both groups. By the time the threat was called in, the football team was already on their way to Little Rock, so it was decided that, for their safety, two school resource officers (SROs) would accompany them. 

The threat was found by a Southside parent, and although the exact words of the threat are unknown, it is confirmed that it violently targeted the cheer team and Southern Belles at the Little Rock game. 

Rachel Foster, a vice principal at Southside, said, “A parent reached out to administration stating that a threat had been found online targeting the cheerleaders and Belles,” and that “the threat was not found online.”

Despite the threat, Southside administrators decided not to cancel the football game because of the late notice and because the threat was directed at the cheer/dance teams. 

Hallie Post, a sophomore and member of the Southern Belles, said it would be “too last-minute to cancel a whole game the day of.” 

Southside has always prided itself on the safety of its students,  the administration alerted of the threat and they sent two SROs with the team and alerted Little Rock Central, who also had SROs at the game. 

Foster said, “A thorough investigation took place,” and that “[Southside] students and fans were protected.”

The original threat never was confirmed, and the only proof they  have that it ever existed is the parent who called it in. Even though the chances of the threat being real are slim, the administration still stands by its decision not to send the cheer and dance teams to Little Rock. 

Landry Settle, a member of the Southside Cheer team, said, “The [assistant principals] made the decision for us to stay back for some extra precaution because of the rumor, and I feel that was a good decision for the safety of everyone.”

“Holding back both teams was a precaution, and administration ensured that only participants in the game would attend. As always, Southside’s first concern is safety,” said Foster. 

Southside takes threats very seriously, and the safety of their students is always their top priority. The best thing to do is to remember that although competition during sports games can get intense, it is just a game.