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BY MICHAEL OLOHAN
OF PASCACK PRESS
HILLSDALE, N.J.—Borough police are investigating the discovery of three swastikas found Nov. 6 by Pascack Valley High School staff, which follows on the heels of two swastikas found in boys’ bathroom stalls over the past six weeks, according to the Pascack Valley Regional High Schools District superintendent.
“Unfortunately, this morning three more swastikas were found by our staff. These areas were immediately closed off and the Hillsdale Police Department was contacted so they can be investigated,” wrote Superintendent P. Eric Gundersen Nov. 6.
According to police, the swastikas were found in boys’ bathrooms and locker rooms.
“The Pascack Valley Regional High School District condemns all acts of intolerance, violence, and hate. Such expressions are detrimental to the well-being of all people, in all environments, and especially for children and educators in our schools,” Gundersen wrote Nov. 6. “When hate crimes take place in our schools, we need to make sure people realize these events do not reflect our views and beliefs, are unacceptable, and will be investigated,” he added.
“Swastikas are symbols of hate and have absolutely no place in our schools,” noted Gundersen, who said the district has contacted local religious leaders, parents and the Anti-Defamation League to address district responses to the incidents.
On Nov. 5, concerns regarding previous incidents were discussed by the district board of education, said Gundersen.
“We cannot let an individual, or small group of individuals, who spreads a message of hate, become a cloud casting a shadow over our wonderful community. Pascack Valley’s students and educators strive toward mutual respect and understanding, which has and continues to shine in so many ways,” wrote Gundersen.
The superintendent said the district “work[s] hard to promote an environment of caring, compassion and respect for all people. In the coming days and weeks, we will be instituting additional programs to help us address what has unfortunately gone beyond isolated incidents,” Gundersen added.
Hillsdale Police Detective Sgt. Adam Hampton, who leads the police investigation, said after consultation with Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office the responsible individuals would be charged.
“We reassure everybody that we take this investigation very seriously and our three officers assigned there [two special law enforcement III officers and a school resource officer] are actively participating in this investigation,” Hampton said Nov. 8.
“A swastika is a symbol of hate that is offensive to people and when found, we will charge those responsible,” Hampton said. “We’re doing our best to apprehend the person responsible for this crime.”
State Assemblywoman Holly Schepisi, (R-Bergen) who posted about the first incidents on Facebook, said she learned about it from her 15-year-old daughter who attends the school.
She urged the school district to get information about such incidents out to parents quicker. She urged them, after two recent anti-Semitic incidents, to use these as teaching opportunities to denounce hateful words and symbols.
“In light of the recent events in Pittsburgh, and now in the halls of our own school, I urge everyone—students, parents, staff members—to talk about how we can all be more caring, compassionate, and respectful,” Gundersen urged.
He added, “We also ask that if you ever encounter a person or environment of intolerance, violence, or hate, that you share your concern with someone from our staff so we can assist.”
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