Editor Note: Content contains language that may be graphic.

Following the election, Piedmont’s Yik Yak saw a surge of threats, sparking alarm and highlighting deep divisions

Early in the morning after the election, there were multiple threatening messages towards non-Trump supporters after Trump’s election win. The comments ranged from “We hunting yall down today! #Trump24” and “Yall are so f—– lmao. When I see yall on campus it’s on sight, verbally and physically.” 

Multiple comments were liked, making them popular and pushing them into the “Hot” category, meaning they were being interacted with repeatedly. These posts have since been taken down due to their content.

These comments damaged Piedmont’s image as the safest campus in Georgia, as students reported feeling uncomfortable. One comment described the campus as a civil war, while another compared it to “The Hunger Games.”

Thankfully, there were no altercations or any following through with the threats. Chief Andrews clarified in the Piedmont App that if anything did happen, he gave “a fair warning to anyone who seeks to harm the property or, more importantly, the well-being of others.” 

Although no one followed through on the threats, it still affected students, as one student on the YikYak app commented on a possible suicide attempt. After this, there was a search for this student. Chief Andrews and the residential living staff knocked on dorms to find the students and ensure they were okay. Afterward, the Piedmont YikYak was no longer pouring with negative comments. Instead, there were positive comments about wanting to find the student and having a sense of community. 

The question is, how can YikYak quickly switch from a toxic pool of negativity into a loving family app?

When Chief Andrews was asked to comment on the situation, he declined, saying, ‘No comment,’ as the matter had been resolved. Yik Yak once again demonstrated its ability to serve as a platform for hatred and kindness.

In such cases, students can use the counseling services available on campus. Students who may be away from their family and or support system have the resources here to talk to someone who can help. Students can schedule a meeting with our counselors or walk-in.

You can contact Sean Williamson at [email protected], call 706-778-8500, ext. 1295, or go to https://piedmont.titaniumhwc.com to schedule a meeting with a counselor.