5 Swastikas Found At Bergen County High School

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Five swastikas were found on the grounds of Pascack Vallley High School this, school district officials announced.

Two swastikas were found in boys' bathroom stalls within the past six weeks, and three more were found by staff Tuesday morning, P. Erik Gundersen, superintendent of the Pascack Valley Regional High School District, said in a letter to district Tuesday.

The Hillsdale Police Department is investigating who might have drew the swastikas.

District officials immediately contacted the Hillsdale Police Department after discovering the first two swastikas and closed the bathrooms until they were removed. They did the same following the discovery of the next three.

"When hate crimes take place in our schools, we need to make sure people realize these events do not reflect our views and beliefs, are unacceptable, and will be investigated," Gundersen said. "We cannot let an individual, or small group of individuals, who spreads a message of hate, become a cloud casting a shadow over our wonderful community."

Gundersen said, "additional programs" will be instituted to help officials "address what has unfortunately gone beyond an isolated incident."

Gundersen referenced the shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh last month where 11 people were killed and six injured. The alleged shooter, Robert G. Bowers, 46, faces 11 counts of criminal homicide.

"I urge everyone — students, parents, staff members — to talk about how we can all be more caring, compassionate, and respectful," Gundersen said. "We also ask that if you ever encounter a person or environment of intolerance, violence, or hate, that you share your concern with someone from our staff so we can assist."

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com

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