A disturbing scenario has played out at public schools across Springfield, Ohio, in recent days, with children turned away as they arrive or, worse, rushed out of classrooms, all because of bomb threats.
Parents have struggled to explain to 6- and 7-year-olds what is happening. Some aren’t quite sure about sending their kids back.
“You don’t want to give in to the fear,” said a mother who asked not to be identified to protect her family. “But it’s your children.”
Haitians in this blue-collar city are not the only ones feeling threatened in the wake of false accusations that they are eating their neighbors’ cats and dogs — a claim parroted by former President Trump and his running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance. With Springfield thrust into an angry national debate over immigration, dread has permeated neighborhoods across the city.
State troopers now stand guard outside schools and government buildings. Last weekend,…
