Suffolk public schools are right to take seriously rumors of a &uot;hit list&uot; of students and teachers circulating at Nansemond River High School.

They have no choice.

Just three weeks after a deranged student killed 10 people in a Minnesota rampage, part of it at his high school, officials need no reminder that such tragic events can happen anywhere–even Suffolk. No place is immune.

Chances are it is just a sick prank. Officials are nonetheless obligated to fully investigate it and take whatever action is necessary to see to it that students and faculty are protected.

Any student with information should call Suffolk Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.