Police Investigating Hate incident At Newton South High School

NEWTON, MA — Newton police are investigating a hate incident that took place Friday at Newton South High School.

According to Principal Tamara Stras, school employees found a swastika carved into a wrestling mat located in the gym. This comes after two swastikas were found in the boys bathroom at Brown Middle School earlier last week.

“This symbol of hate is tremendously upsetting, a day after International Holocaust Rememberance Day and on the heels of the hostage situation in Colleyville, Texas,” said Stras in a statement.

"We recognize the pain and suffering that this image represents and invokes and I am horrified that this happened in our school community,” she continued.

The school immediately contacted the Newton Police Department, which is conducting a full investigation. In addition, Newton South will be offering spaces for students and adults to process this incident this week via advisory block and WIN blocks. The South Human Rights Council, in conjunction with the Jewish Staff Affinity Group, will be taking the lead in facilitating this work.

"I want to assure you that we as a school and district are deeply committed to addressing issues of hate and discrimination,” said Stras. "I know this act of anti-semitism is quite upsetting, and it saddens and angers me to have to even communicate this news. I am confident our South community will come together during this difficult time and hold steadfast in our values of listening first, showing respect, taking responsibility and most of all choosing kindness.”