Credit: Wikimedia
The Neshaminy School District has canceled all overseas trips as a result of the threat of terrorism.
The school board voted unanimously to cancel three trips that have been scheduled.
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One trip would see students traveling to Paris, Madrid, Spain and Morocco in north Africa in June, while the other would have students visiting England in April. Another third trip to Germany and France was scheduled for 2017.
Parent Matthew Arlen, a police officer who works with an explosive detecting dog, raised concerns about the trip after recent terror attacks in France, which saw 130 people killed in November and several smaller attacks in 2015. Arlen also recalled an attack several years ago in Madrid, Spain.
Arlen spoke to the board about ISIS-inspired and backed attacks around the globe. He noted warnings about the locations that have been issued by the U.S. Department of State.
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“I don’t have a problem putting my life on the line every day, but I have a problem with putting my child or anyone elses child’s life in danger,” Arlen said.
Interim Superintendent Dr. Gloria Hancock said the district met with some parents, most of whom wanted to continue with the trips, before making the decision to cancel them for security reasons. Hancock noted the U.S. Department of State warnings that were issued.
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In place of traveling overseas, the district will work to find locations stateside for the student groups, Hancock said.
Parent Reita Bakshi told the board she was upset trips were cancelled.
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Board President Scott Congdon said he had a similar issue when he was in high school. His class had planned a trip to Germany, but it was cancelled for a security reason that he couldn’t recall. Instead, the Congdon and his peers got the chance to visit Florida.
