Swastikas Found on Katonah-Lewisboro School Bus

CROSS RIVER, NY — School officials in the Katonah-Lewisboro district said they’ve found another instance of swastikas being drawn on school property.

On Monday, Jan. 23, a student reported there were swastikas drawn on two seats in a school bus that only travels to private schools.

Police were notified immediately and an investigation began, a spokeswomen said.

This is the third instance in recent weeks involving the anti-Semitic symbol found on school property.

During the winter break, swastikas were found on the Lewisboro Elementary School playground. Police identified three students who were involved.

An investigation is still underway into the second instance Jan. 19, when swastikas were found carved on a tree at the John Jay High School campus.

Superintendent Andrew Selesnick said the district is taking steps to work with other resources in the community to confront the issue.

He said that spreading awareness the first step.

“It is important that the entire community be aware of what has happened and how we’ve responded so far,” Selesnick said.

School principals and he have met with representatives of the local interfaith council. Administrators have been in communication with the Anti-Defamation League to see what resources they might have for schools and communities.

Selesnick shared an ADL document with the school community about the history and impact of the swastika and requested families have a conversation about "the importance of standing together against this symbol and the hatred it represents."

The school district will, in the coming weeks, extend an invitation to community members for further conversation on this topic.

Photo credit: Google Maps.