2 More Incidents Of Anti-Semitic Graffiti Found At John Jay

CROSS RIVER, NY — Another incident of swastikas found at Katonah-Lewisboro schools was announced Tuesday, Jan. 30 by district officials. In a letter posted on the district’s website, a statement by Superintendent Andrew Selesnick, John Jay High School Principal Steven Siciliano and John Jay Middle School Rich Leprine said that two swastikas were found on school property: one at the high school and one at the middle school.

“In both cases, the symbols were small and in locations that were not easily seen or found,” the statement said. ‘We are most grateful to the students who discovered them and notified staff immediately.”

Police were notified and an investigation was begun.

“These hateful symbols will never be tolerated in our schools,” the officials said, adding that they have increased efforts to help students be sensitive, respectful and compassionate.

The high school has been working with the Anti-Defamation League, and staff in the middle and high school have also been working with an organization called Facing History and Ourselves.

All kindergarten through 12th grade staff have had training with the anti-bias organization GLSEN — the Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network.

In December 2016, swastikas were found spray-painted in the playground of a Lewisboro elementary school. Three juveniles were arrested a few weeks later.

In two other incidents, swastikas were found carved into a tree and drawn on a bus.

The officials said that they face a dilemma, in that, while being committed to transparency and publicly condemning acts of hatred, police have advised the district to consider when and how frequently it communicates, recognizing that sometimes the communication itself spurs unwanted behavior.

“We are sending this letter so that you can be aware that while we’re making every effort to grow as a community, there is progress to be made,” school officials said.

“We share your frustration at even a single occurrence of such behavior, but we continue to believe that through partnership and education, progress will continue,” they said.

Police have asked for anyone with pertinent information to contact either the Lewisboro Police at 914-763-8903 or Somers State Police at 914-769-2600.

Photo credit: Google Maps.