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Bomb hoax at York

A bomb threat called in to York University on Tuesday afternoon prevented a number of students from writing their midterm exams.

Two buildings were evacuated around 3:00 p.m. following the phone call and students as well as staff were allowed to re-enter roughly two hours later. According to officials, the quick resumption of class and work did not mean the event was insignificant.

“A hoax such as this takes resources away from the community, both in the form of fire personnel and police and, in this case, it disrupted traffic,” Alex Bilyk, director of media relations for York, said.

Bilyk noted similar hoaxes appear to be more frequent during exam periods, but did not confirm the most recent prank was performed to avoid an exam. He lamented the inconvenience caused to students who were prepared for their exams and worried the York community may not take threats seriously if hoaxes become more common.

“It is our obvious hope that whoever is responsible will be caught. If it is a student, expulsion will be the least of their problems. A criminal act such as this merits full punishment,” Bilyk said.

— Ora Morison

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