On April 14, 2023, Mark Keppel High School, where The Aztec is located, was put on evacuation at 9:40 am. According to a message sent out by Alhambra Unified’s administration via Blackboard, an “anonymous threat by phone that came from outside the state of California,” was received by MKHS. The Alhambra Police Department was called to assist with the matter, doing a full search of the campus, before clearing it for students and staff to return. Classes resumed at 11:35 am, allowing students to return to their fourth-period classes. No announcements were made over the PA system. 

 The administration made it clear that at no time were any students or staff in danger. “AT NO TIME WAS ANYONE IN IMMEDIATE DANGER. To keep students and staff safe, it is necessary to take precautionary measures when the District receives reports of this nature. We know this is disruptive and causes worry for our community, but the safety of our students and staff is AUSD’s utmost concern,” was repeated three times in the emails sent by AUSD’s blackboard messaging system. 

 This event took place 6 weeks before the final day of school for MKHS students. As this school year has been plagued by multiple emergencies triggering lockdowns, and now an evacuation, the safety of students and staff are being called into play. As the rise in gun violence in the United States has reached a peak, should students and families feel worried about the possible threats presented at schools? Alhambra Unified School District has made no comment regarding their lack of communication during emergencies on their campuses.