Swastika 'Scribbled' In Plainview Middle School Bathroom, Parent Raises Concerns

PLAINVIEW, NY — Two students discovered a swastika drawn inside a sixth-grade bathroom stall at Plainview-Old Bethpage Middle School on Monday, prompting a response from school officials, police said.

Nassau County police said officers responded to the middle school on Monday at about 12:35 p.m. after receiving a call from the principal. Police said the plaintiff did not request an arrest, so no further investigation would be conducted.

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A Plainview mother told Patch there was another antisemitic incident just days earlier, on Oct. 29, but Nassau County police – and parents – were not notified about that incident, she said.

The mother said no child should feel afraid because of their religion, especially within school walls. While she acknowledged that the district recognized the gravity of the bathroom incident, she worries that other incidents deemed "smaller" by the district may not receive the same attention.

"If these are the policies for parameters of what is worth notifying the community about and what is not, then I think there needs to be a change," she told Patch. "If there is any form of hate discussed or drawn within a classroom, then there needs to be transparency with at least the parents of the students in the class. Some of those parents are unaware that it even happened, and their kids are suffering silently."

She said parents should be kept informed and included in conversations about incidents involving hate or discrimination at school, regardless of whether police are notified.

"We need to trust that they are safe and feel safe," she said. "If these kids are ever made to feel any other type of way, their parents need to be notified to be prepared to have those difficult conversations."

Superintendent of Schools Mary O'Meara told Patch the district does not take these incidents lightly.

"As outlined in a letter sent to families, a single swastika was found scribbled in a urinal stall," O'Meara said. "We are proud of the students who came forward to report it. The District takes antisemitism extremely seriously and will continue to address it through education, restorative practices, and discipline in accordance with the student Code of Conduct."

O'Meara added that the district offers an anti-hate curriculum and other educational opportunities focused on respect for different religions.

"Our middle school students recently took part in an assembly program on symbols of hate from The Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance Center of Nassau County, and we will continue this work with the outside partners who have generously offered their support," she said.

The full letter to parents from the district can be found below:

"Dear POB School Community,

I am sorry to report that today two students at POBMS discovered a swastika drawn in a bathroom stall. The principal immediately began an investigation and contacted the Nassau County Police Department, in accordance with District protocol. I will update the community should additional information become available.

There is no place for antisemitism in our schools. This symbol of hate is deeply hurtful, and stands in direct opposition to our commitment to ensuring that everyone feels safe and a sense of belonging.

It is deeply disheartening that these incidents continue, even as our students participate in lessons about the harm caused by symbols of hate, including recent instruction from the Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance Center of Nassau County. This work must continue, supported by conversations at home. I ask all families to take time this week to speak with their children about antisemitism, the impact of hateful symbols, and their responsibility to speak up when they encounter hate.

If the student responsible is identified, serious disciplinary consequences will follow in accordance with our Code of Conduct.

Thank you for your partnership in keeping our schools places of respect and belonging."