Swastika Drawings Discovered In Glen Rock School

GLEN ROCK, NJ - Authorities say an investigation is underway following the discovery of two pencil-drawn swastikas in the restroom of Glen Rock Middle School on Thursday.

The sixth grade boys' bathroom was "immediately shut down" afterward and school administrators contacted Glen Rock police about the drawings, which were found on a tile and sink, according to Superintendent Brett Charleston.

“After the police conclude their investigation, the symbols will be removed and the bathroom will be reopened,” the superintendent said. "The District will make every effort to identify the offender, including reviewing hallway video surveillance and speaking with students who were issued bathroom passes this morning and yesterday."

Glen Rock Police Chief Dean Ackermann said Detective Sgt. Jim Calaski is conducting the investigation and has “made all appropriate notifications,” as well as contacted parents and following up with the student body.

“As of this time, there is no evidence to support that this incident is related to the swastikas found at the school during the previous year,” he said.

In May, a swastika was found on the wall in a bathroom shared between the high school and middle school. The following month, one was found etched into a classroom wall at Glen Rock High School.

Ackerman also said the department is proceeding with the investigation in accordance with the new bias incident investigation standards issued earlier this year by state Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal.

Following the incidents last spring, Mayor Bruce Packer, Council President Kristine Morieko and the five other borough council members condemned hate speech and urged unity, issuing a statement saying that "hate in any form" is "not welcome in Glen Rock."