CHS principal addresses recent vandalism, which may be result of TikTok challenge

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — In a recent video and letter home, Columbia High School Principal Frank Sanchez discussed three recent acts of vandalism in a boys bathroom at the school. The video was released Sept. 30 and the letter was sent to the CHS community on Oct. 1.

“We reminded students that according to the code of conduct, students caught vandalizing the school may be required to make restitution to the school district financially and/or through school service,” Sanchez wrote in the letter. “We believe these three cases are connected to the nationwide phenomenon called ‘devious licks,’ a challenge which encourages students to steal or damage school property and then post their ‘trophies’ on TikTok. Although we have been fortunate to have only minor damage here in comparison to what other schools have seen, it is still disappointing to know even a few students here would damage our building and think it is OK to have our custodial colleagues to pick up after them.”

The trend began last month when TikTok users uploaded videos of stolen or vandalized school property with the hashtag “devious licks.” This nationwide trend has led to various arrests. Though TikTok banned the trend on its platform on Sept. 15 for violating its community guidelines, the damage was already done, with more than 235 million views for the hashtag in just 15 days.

“There is talk now that more challenges will be appearing on this social media website, even ones that encourage students to touch others inappropriately,” Sanchez said, referring to a list that has been circulated online detailing various challenges; the October challenge is listed as “smack a staff member.” 

“We will be delivering the message to students that this type of behavior will not be tolerated either,” Sanchez said. “In more positive news, Assistant Principal (Terry) Woolard has given the students his own TikTok challenge, asking students to create a tribute to a teacher who has inspired them. We hope the CHS Student Council comes up with positive monthly challenges that connect with Columbia’s values as well.”

  Columbia High School