Investigation Into Summit Schools Swastika Graffiti Continues

SUMMIT, NJ - Officials both in and out of the Summit Public Schools are taking hate-laden graffiti found in both the middle school and high school over the last ten days seriously, according to Assistant Superintendent Louis J. Pepe.

Last week, 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 Superintendent of Schools June Chang.

“Acts of hate of any kind in the Summit Public Schools will not be tolerated. We take pride in our continual efforts to make the Summit Public Schools a safe and welcoming place for all of our students and staff," Chang said. "We value our diversity, and are serious about promoting kindness, acceptance, and understanding within our community.”

In the days since the initial incidents, Pepe said all students at the middle school and high school were addressed, and were informed that hatred will not be tolerated or accepted at the school.

"Each of our schools continue to engage in conversations underscoring the importance of confronting hateful incidents, in addition to appropriate behavior and actions that protect and support all of our students," Pepe said.

The Summit Police were contacted by district officials, and they have been informed about all incidents and authorities said that as of Monday both a police and school-wide investigation is ongoing.

Pepe said Monday that Chang expressed the sentiment of the Board of
Education and all district administrators when he said that the students know that drawings like this on a bathroom wall have serious implications and will be met with serious consequences.

For his part, Pepe said he was cognizant of the seriousness as well.

"I say to any concerned individuals, we are aware of the situation, it’s impact and are responding to it and have notified the community," Pepe said.

(Photo courtesy of Google Earth)

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