Symbols of Hate Will Never Be Acceptable in Katonah-Lewisboro Schools: Superintendent

CROSS RIVER, NY — With the revelation that three juveniles were arrested in connection with spray-painted swastikas at a now-closed school, the superintendent of the Katonah-Lewisboro School District issued a statement to update the community.

Superintendent Andrew Selesnick confirmed that the three unnamed individuals are students in the school district.

“We are now working with these students and their families,” he wrote in the update.

SEE ALSO: 3 Arrested for Spray-painting Swastikas at Lewisboro School Playground

Selesnick said he has met with local religious leaders to talk about how best to support the students and community, adding that the appearance of symbols of hate will never be accepted in the district’s schools.

Here is the update in its entirety:

Update on Graffiti at Lewisboro Elementary School

From Andrew Selesnick, Superintendent of Schools

As you may have seen or heard in recent media reports, the police investigation regarding the graffiti that included swastikas at Lewisboro Elementary School has concluded. On behalf of the District, I extend our appreciation both to the State Police and Lewisboro Police for their swift and effective work.

While the media reported the arrests of three juveniles, we can confirm that the three are students in our schools. We are now working with these students and their families.

As I wrote in my original email on this topic, we will never accept the appearance of symbols of hate in our schools. We will continue to educate all our students on the importance of tolerance, acceptance, and compassion. Behavior that is hurtful to others has no place in our school community.

Some may want to ask what consequences the District provides for students who commit such acts. Specific consequences, however, that are given to individual students remain confidential. The community can be assured that such matters are taken very seriously.

Within the last few days, school principals and I met with local religious leaders to discuss how we can best work together to support the students and the community we collectively serve. We plan to keep these lines of communication open moving forward.

As always, my thanks to our community for your support.

Photo credit: Google Maps.