Millburn Middle School Investigating Bias Incident

MILLBURN, NJ - School officials and law enforcement are continuing their investigation into the the swastikas and the letters KKK that were found etched into a desk in a sixth grade classroom.

In a message sent home to parents, Millburn Middle School Principal John Connolly said that the markings were immediately removed from the classroom and teachers were asked to speak with their classes and discuss the inappropriateness as well as the history behind markings such as swastikas and KKK references.

Connolly also noted that Detective Ed delaFuente from the Millburn Police Department will continue to conduct an investigation of this incident within the Middle School.

Superintendent Christine Burton said that as educators, the district is putting their focus on ensuring our students understand the impact words and symbols have, and the ramifications they can cause.

"In a time when there have been a number of similar incidents both locally and nationally, we need to continue to strive as a school community that is free from hate," she said in an email.

Indeed, in Scotch Plains graffiti was found outside of a school this fall and a series of similar defacement happened at Summit Middle School and Summit High School. Immediately following those incidents officials throughout Summit reacted with their thoughts and participated in local rallies and events to promote tolerance. The symbols drew swift and repeated condemnation from Summit Superintendent June Chang and Summit Mayor Nora Radest and Common Council President David Naidu spoke out about the incidents at a "No Home For Hate" rally at Temple Sinai's menorah lighting.

"These are not just words and symbols on a wall, they are attacks on fellow students, friends and neighbors," Radest said. "They are not abstract attacks. They are personal."

Related Stories:

• Swastikas Found In Summit Middle School
• Investigation Into Summit Schools Swastika Graffiti Continues
• Swastikas Found In Summit High School
• Summit Mayor: Fight Against Hate At Interfaith Menorah Lighting
• Summit Declares 'No Home For Hate' At Menorah Lighting
• 'Abhorrent Behavior' Will Not Continue In Summit Schools

Westfield Mayor Shelley Brindle also echoed those sentiments.

"We all share your profound concern and sorrow over this hatred and bias and are committed to fostering a respectful culture with a zero tolerance of such acts," Brindle said. "These horrific incidents should serve as a catalyst for us all to fully embrace the spirit of this season. As a community, let's all commit to overpowering hate with an abundance of love, to suppressing intolerance with acts of inclusion, and drowning out bigotry with compassion and kindness."

Related Stories:

• Swastika Found In Westfield Elementary School Bathroom
• Westfield BOE Addresses 'Unacceptable' Swastika Symbol
• Hate Graffiti Found In Westfield School Again
• Active Investigation Into Westfield Hate Graffiti Continues

Superintendent Christine Burton said that as educators, the district is putting their focus on ensuring our students understand the impact words and symbols have, and the ramifications they can cause.

"In a time when there have been a number of similar incidents both locally and nationally, we need to continue to strive as a school community that is free from hate," she said in an email.

According to Burton said that Connolly met with all Middle School students Thursday and reinforced that acts of hate and bias are unacceptable and have no place in Millburn Middle School.

"I discussed with our students the need for them to demonstrate respect for others at all times and challenged them to do their part in making Millburn Middle School a safe, secure and welcoming learning environment for all,” Connolly said.

Burton said the district is sharing that same message in developmentally appropriate ways at all grade levels.

"Please help us at home, when opportunities arise, to continue the conversation with your children," she said.

(Photo courtesy of Google Earth)

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