Swastikas discovered at Scotch Plains-Fanwood school prompts investigation

Mike Deak, MyCentralJersey.com
·2 min read
1

SCOTCH PLAINS – The police department is continuing an investigation into a number of swastikas drawn and etched at Terrill Middle School on Wednesday.

In a letter to parents, Scotch Plains-Fanwood Superintendent of Schools Joan Mast said the swastikas were discovered Wednesday afternoon in one of the school's restrooms and a hallway locker.

"We take acts of hate and intolerance very seriously and we will continue to do so," Mast wrote. "Acts such as these will have serious implications and will be met with serious consequences."

Following the incident, the school district has been talking to students about the importance of rejecting hate and embracing diversity, Mast said, adding that that district has policies and codes of conduct on the issue.

"We will continue to develop and implement programs to educate students on such matters," Mast wrote parents. "As always, we appreciate your support in reinforcing the lessons learned at school."

More: Feds open investigation over antisemitic incidents at Rutgers amid Israel-Hamas protests

The superintendent encouraged parents to speak with their children about incidents like this and stories that they may hear in the news.

"We condemn this symbol, which represents hate and prejudice, and violates our community values," the superintendent wrote. "The conduct of such a hateful act in a space that is meant to be welcoming and in a place where all students, staff and families should be able to be their full and authentic selves is unacceptable and deeply upsetting."

The superintendent is urging anyone with information to come forward anonymously by completing this online form or contacting Scotch Plains Police Sgt. Jason Everitt at 908-322-7100, ext. 113, or by reaching out directly to school administrators or counselors.

In 2018 swastikas and racial epithets were found at the district's high school.

Email: mdeak@mycentraljersey.com

Mike Deak is a reporter for mycentraljersey.com. To get unlimited access to his articles on Somerset and Hunterdon counties, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Swastikas found at Scotch Plains-Fanwood NJ school prompts probe