Jewish Student Shown Swastika By Another Lower Merion Student: Superintendent

ARDMORE, PA — An antisemitic incident at Lower Merion High School is under investigation after a student drew a swastika on his body Friday and showed it to a Jewish student, according to district officials.

Dr. Frank Ranelli, superintendent of the Lower Merion School District, disclosed the incident Friday in a letter to the district community.

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Later that day, the student who displayed the swastika left campus and posted a video on social media with a threat toward another student, Ranelli said. The video didn't mention the earlier incident, but it contained "concerning language," according to Ranelli.

The school district reported the matter to police and will internally investigate.

"The student who instigated these incidents will not be in school, pending a disciplinary hearing and due process," Ranelli said.

Lower Merion schools prohibit hate speech and symbols. Students who violate the policy are subject to discipline, Ranelli noted.

"Let me be perfectly clear, using hate speech or displaying hate symbols is not and will not be tolerated in our schools," Ranelli said.

To ensure student privacy, further information about the students involved won't be shared, according to the superintendent.

"If your student needs support in light of this upsetting incident, please urge them to reach out to counselor, or another trusted adult at their school," Ranelli said.