The Anti-Defamation League has expressed alarm over allegations of racial and ethnic bias by an allegedly student-led white supremacist club at Pascack Valley High School in Bergen County, calling the allegations “deeply disturbing.”
In an open letter to students and faculty on Smoke Signals, the student news site for Pascack Valley High School in Hillsdale, the Pascack Valley Human Rights League detailed a series of alleged racial and ethnic slurs directed at students at Pascack Valley High School, according to the ADL.
The alleged incidents include: formation of a white supremacist club, swastikas drawn in the hallway and in bathrooms, uses of the “n” word and other racial slurs, and white power signs displayed by students at sporting events and on social media, according to the ADL.
On its website, Smoke Signals called for action and express concern:
“There is no denying it: a group of Pascack Valley’s own students have been publicly advocating white supremacy, in our hallways, at our sporting events, and on social media. White supremacy is the idea that the white race is inherently superior to all other races, and therefore should dominate society. It is a ’historically based, institutionally perpetuated system of exploitation and oppression of people of color.’ White supremacists not only target people of color, but members of religious, gender, and sexual minorities as well.”
“These allegations, if true, are deeply disturbing,” said Joshua Cohen, ADL New Jersey Regional Director. “Schools must provide safe environments free of racism, prejudice and bigotry, which facilitate learning and understanding among students from diverse backgrounds. We urge the district to investigate and address these allegations.”
Superintendent Erik Gundersen said these actions were performed by a small group of students who “subscribe to white supremacist viewpoints,” according to nj.com. Some of these students have been disciplined, and he said the school is taking the matter very seriously.
The ADL said it has reached out to the superintendent of Pascack Valley Regional High School District, encouraging the school to take to investigate and address the situation. The ADL has also offered to work with administrators to address bias, bigotry, and bullying.
“We hope the district will take us up on this offer,” the organization said in a statement.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Westwood, NJ Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.