Another Swastika Drawn At Westfield High School, District Investigates

WESTFIELD, NJ — Another drawing of a swastika was discovered in one of the bathrooms at Westfield High School during lunch, according to a message from Principal Mary Asfendis.

This is not the first time a swastika has been scrawled at Westfield High School, and Asfendis said the school is currently investigating the incident and looking for the person, or persons, responsible.

Westfield Police said the swastika was drawn in pencil in a first-floor girls bathroom and was under approximately 2 inches square. Sgt. Michael Walsh said it has since been removed.

"Due to our regular bathroom checks and sign-in system for all student restrooms at the high school, we are hopeful that we will quickly find the person(s) responsible and ensure that the consequences coincide with the severity of the action," Asfendis wrote in her message.

She added that the responsible parties will not only be suspended, but will also be required to "participate in educational activities so that the severity of the action is understood and is not repeated."

Asfendis is asking any students with additional information to come forward and aid the school in its investigation.

The inscription of swastikas at Westfield High School has become a repeated pattern over the past few years. Most recently, two swastikas and a racial slur were found in the high school's bathroom in December.

Read more: Westfield Officials Investigate Several Hate Incidents At WHS

In addition, almost exactly a year ago in March of 2021, a swastika was etched in a bathroom stall at the high school with a metal object.

Read more: Westfield Police Investigating Swastikas At High School

Prior to that, Westfield Police had investigated a swastika at Tamaques Park, as well as swastikas in Westfield schools in 2018 and 2019.

Asfendis said as the community has struggled with acts of antisemitism in the past, the school will continue its efforts to educate students of these incidents.

"While we again are feeling hurt, frustration, anger and disappointment, our next school wide discussion is planned for April 7th which will be a follow-up to our discussions on swastikas and how we react to messages of hate," Asfendis said.

The school is also working with Kean University to bring in Holocaust programming to the entire student body with an assembly scheduled for April 20.

The district recently held a webinar where K-12 Supervisor of Social Studies Andrea Brennan presented on the district's Holocaust Education curriculum by grade level. She provided both a look back at district efforts and a look forward into plans to improve upon Holocaust education for students.

The full webinar can be viewed on YouTube.

Asfendis said the high school will address this incident by increasing efforts to educate students on the impact of hate. She also encourages families to further these efforts through conversations at home.

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