Swastikas Found In Summit High School Friday

SUMMIT, NJ - Less than a day after revealing that Lawton C. Johnson Summit Middle School had been defaced with swastikas and other "inappropriate" drawings, Superintendent of Schools June Chang says the hate-laced graffiti has been found in Summit High School.

"It saddens me to have to reach back out to you regarding another act of hatred. This afternoon we were notified of swastikas found in two of the boy’s bathrooms at the Summit High School," Chang said in a statement. "The discovery of these drawings came following conversations with students about ensuring our schools are safe places where everyone is welcome and valued. As a result of the conversations, a student reported the finding whereupon additional swastikas in the second bathroom were discovered."

Chang said as they raise awareness about the power of these symbols and the impact of their meaning, they empower the students to come forward about such incidents and the harm they can inflict.

As was done at the middle school, all students at the high school were addressed, and were informed that hatred will not be tolerated or accepted, Chang said.

"The Summit Police were contacted, and have been informed about these additional incidents," Chang said. "The police and school-wide investigation continues."

According to Chang, disciplinary action will be taken against anyone involved in the incident.

"I reiterate the importance of addressing this or any act of hatred ‘head-on’. Each of our schools continue to engage in conversations underscoring the importance of confronting hateful incidents, in addition to promoting appropriate behavior and actions that protect and support all of our students," Chang said. Again, we encourage all Summit Schools families to engage with their children and neighbors in conversations about ending hatred and bigotry and promoting kindness and compassion."

Summit Mayor Nora Radest joined the chorus of officials condemning a set of hate-riddled graffiti found on more than on occasion at Lawton C. Johnson Summit Middle School and today at Summit High School.

"The recent drawings of swastikas and other offensive drawings found in the Lawton C. Johnson Summit Middle School and High School are inexcusable," Radest said. "The immature and ignorant behavior is deplorable and will be addressed. I am confident that the school district, working in partnership with the Summit Police Department, will identify the individuals responsible for this activity."

Radest said the terrible incident needs to serve as an opportunity for families and the schools to discuss the history of hate symbols and how they will not be tolerated in Summit.

"I firmly believe that this incident does not define us as a community; we are compassionate and respectful," Radest said. "We support one another and we must continue to stand up against hatred and bigotry wherever we see it.”

For his part, Chang touted the "excellent conversations" about the incidents that occurred Friday as part of the advisory program at the middle school.

"Hundreds of signs were hung on the walls and lockers at LCJSMS today stating simply that hate has no place in Summit," Chang said. "I am impressed by the sense of unity and the positive response of the LCJSMS staff and students. I am confident that the students and staff at Summit High School will also unite to stand against this type of behavior."

Summit Police declined comment due to the investigation being ongoing. They are expected to have updates early next week.

(Photo courtesy of Google Earth)

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