'Deeply Disturbing:' District 58 Condemns Swastika Found On Playground

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — After a swastika was found carved onto playground equipment at Lester Elementaryd School, Downers Grove Grade School District 58 shared a letter with staff and parents condemning the "deeply disturbing incident."

The swastika was carved into a drum on the school's K-2 playground and found by a teacher on Oct. 18. It was removed shortly after the incident was reported to police, per the letter from District 58 Superintendent Dr. Kevin Russell.

Russell wrote that district officials do not believe any Lester School students made or saw the etched symbol. Rather, they think the swastika was carved in the evening after students had been dismissed.

He concluded,

"We extend our support to the students, teachers and staff at Lester and to the wider school and Downers Grove community. The swastika serves as the most notorious symbol of hate and antisemitism and has no place in our community. District 58 does not tolerate hate in any form and condemns this kind of evil. Lester School and District 58 will continue to foster an inclusive environment where everyone is accepted. We will continue to refer any incidents of this nature immediately to the police. We will also ask the police for extra patrols in the area. As always, if you see something out of the ordinary occurring on our school grounds, please contact the police immediately."