Swastikas, Racial Slur Found At Pascack Valley High School

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — More swastikas and a racial slur were found at Pascack Valley High School Friday.

The swastikas and slur were etched into the partition walls in a bathroom, Superintendent P. Erik Gundersen said in a letter to parents and the school community.

The bathroom was immediately closed so students would not see the "offensive symbols," Gundersen said. The Montvale Police Department investigated and collected evidence. The bathroom has since been reopened.

"A person who marks anything with swastikas or racial slurs is not demonstrating freedom of speech — they are committing both hate and bias crimes. These symbols and slurs are extremely offensive and have absolutely no place in our school or in society," Gundersen said in his letter. "Perpetrators of hate crimes will face significant consequences from both law enforcement and the school district."

Five swastikas were found on the grounds of Pascack Vallley High School within the last two months. Two swastikas were found in boys' bathroom stalls and three more were found by staff. (See related: 5 Swastikas Found At Bergen County High School)

District administrators are communicating with the Anti-Defamation League and the Pascack Valley Clergy Association, composed of religious leaders from the area regarding the hate crimes.

"As many began the eight-day Jewish celebration of Hanukkah last evening, with other religious holidays coming in the next few weeks, let’s all join together to demonstrate the power of love, acceptance, and respect as a community," Gundersen said.

It is the second time this week Bergen County school officials have found swastikas on school grounds.

A swastika was found in a stall in a girls' bathroom at Ridgewood High School Monday. (See related: Swastika Found In Ridgewood High School Bathroom: Superintendent)

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com

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