Hate Symbols Continue To Plague Summit Schools

SUMMIT, NJ – For the sixth time this academic year, a hate symbol has appeared in Summit District Schools, according to Superintendent June Chang.

Chang noted at the April 11 Board of Education meeting that a swastika was found in the sixth-floor girls' bathroom at Lawton C. Johnson Summit Middle School. This is the sixth hate symbol in four months found in the district, and Chang noted he was "sad to have to report the news."

The revelation reached Governor Phil Murphy who posted on Facebook commenting on the situation on April 18.

"As we approach Passover – one of the holiest Jewish holidays – we renew our commitment to fight against anti-Semitism and bigotry in the Garden State. Hate has no home here," Murphy posted, including a link to a WNYC story referencing the incident.

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

Back in February Chang said a hate symbol was found in the Lawton C. Johnson Summit Middle School bathroom and a student at Washington Elementary School used "the N-word."

It was the first time Chang has spoken publicly about the incidents that have plagued the district since deciding the district will no longer 'broadly communicate' additional incidents of hate graffiti found in the district back in December.

In November and December swastikas were discovered on the bathroom walls in Lawton C. Johnson Summit Middle School and Summit High School as well as other offensive graffiti, according to officials.

Chang noted on April 11 that parents should speak to their children about the incidents. Back in February Chang did note in his report, that parents should be diligent in monitoring the social media accounts of their children. He told Patch that any type of media can be places where there is inappropriate language. He also noted that students can mimic things they have see on they have seen on all media, such as YouTube.

As for the status of the investigation, Chief of Police Robert Weck offered Patch an update.

"As of this time, no arrests have been made in connection with the incidents at our Middle School. We continue to work with the Summit BOE and administration staff at the school and our Juvenile Officer has been in contact with representatives from the Union County Prosecutor’s Office as well. They will continue to meet to discuss investigative strategies as they pertain to the investigation," Weck said. "Unfortunately, because of the location where the symbols are being placed, the school and SPD will also have to rely on student(s) possibly coming forward with information on who might be responsible for these hateful acts."

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