Parents Demand Venue Change for Governor Mifflin Prom Over Safety Concerns

Parents are raising serious safety concerns about the upcoming Governor Mifflin High School prom, scheduled at the DoubleTree by Hilton in the City of Reading. Following an April 5th homicide inside the hotel lobby and three reported shootings in Reading within 24 hours this past weekend, one parent has formally asked GMHS Principal Murray to relocate the venue or, at minimum, add off-duty police officers. The parent says he is still awaiting a response. Families are asking why this venue was selected, whether recent violence was considered, and what security and emergency response plans are in place.

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Parent Request Move the prom out of Reading One concerned parent — identified here only as James — contacted The Mifflin Report asking for help bringing attention to what he calls a growing safety issue. His request is simple: move the prom to a different venue outside the City of Reading because he believes the current location is unsafe for students. The Incidents Driving Concern The concerns come on the heels of two specific developments parents say cannot be ignored: April 5 Homicide in DoubleTree lobby A homicide occurred inside the hotel lobby of the same DoubleTree by Hilton Reading where the prom is scheduled to take place. This Past Weekend 3 shootings in under 24 hours According to the parent, three separate shootings were reported in the City of Reading within a span of less than 24 hours. From a parent "With the violence happening in the city, especially on weekends, many parents are asking why students are being sent into that environment for a school event." — James, Governor Mifflin parent Letter to the Principal James says he has already contacted GMHS Principal Murray directly, requesting answers about the district's safety plan and asking the administration to reconsider the venue altogether. If the district refuses to relocate the prom, he is asking for significant additional security measures, including off-duty police officers. From the parent's letter "We are deeply worried about the safety of all students, families, and staff attending. We kindly request a formal response detailing the safety measures planned. If the venue cannot be relocated, we ask whether additional security — such as off-duty officers — could be arranged." The parent emphasized that this is not about attacking the school district or creating panic. He says this is about putting student safety first and making sure parents have transparency before sending their children to a late-night event in an area experiencing violent crime. At this time, James says he is still awaiting a response from the administration. The Questions Parents Are Asking The growing concerns are now leading many families to ask important questions of the district: Open Questions for Governor Mifflin Administration Why was this venue selected? Was the recent violence in the area considered? What security measures will be in place? Will there be police presence or off-duty officers? Has the district explored safer alternative venues outside Reading? What emergency response plans are in place? Student Safety Should Always Come First Parents have every right to ask questions when student safety is involved. Regardless of political views or opinions on the city itself, families deserve transparency, clear communication, and reassurance that every precaution is being taken before a late-night school event in an area experiencing violent crime. The Mifflin Report will continue following this story and welcomes respectful feedback from parents and community members regarding the upcoming prom.