A fake Snapchat post resulted in real punishment for a Katy High School student.
What looks like a gun is aimed right at his classmates in the photo. It was taken during a fire drill and included a caption reading, “They ain’t ready.. I hate this school lol.”
“That’s horrible. Oh. my God,” said parent Candy Branch.
At first glance, Branch thought it was real.
“That’s got my heart beating...It’s not even real, wow,” Branch said.
According to Katy ISD, other students shared the snap, and several of them reported it to school officials.
“I just heard that someone had put a sticker on Snapchat about holding a gun out,” said student Dillan Moody.
“Stickers” are things like characters, animals, or other emojis you can add to photos.
Weapons are among the sticker options.
“You can put it on the screen, make it as big or small as you want,” Moody said. “I think he just put it over his hand.”
The student who sent the snap was disciplined. The district would not provide details. Other students heard it was in-school suspension.
“I think the punishment was may be a little bit severe, but I do think there should be a punishment for it,” said student Lauren Van Horn. “It’s not a funny joke.”
Principal Rick Hull applauded students who alerted staff members.
“That’s nothing to play with at all.. At all,” Branch said.
Some social media platforms have altered weapon stickers or emojis to look less realistic.
We reached out to Snapchat, but haven’t heard back.
Principal Hull sent the following message to parents and guardians:
"Dear Katy High School Parents/Guardians and Staff,
"This message is to inform you of an altered image which has been circulated via social media. The image depicts an individual pointing a replica gun at a group of students during an afternoon fire drill. Katy ISD Police and the school administration have investigated and confirmed that the image had been fabricated.
"I would like to applaud the students who alerted us of the image. Likewise, I would also like to encourage parents to take this opportunity to talk to their children about the serious consequences of posting inappropriate and threatening comments or images on social media platforms. It takes only one inappropriate social media post to lead to life-altering consequences.
"The student who initiated the circulation of the fabricated image has been identified and will be disciplined according to the Student Code of Conduct.
"As always, the safety of all students and staff is our top priority."