Swastikas Found At 2 Bergen County High Schools

Swastikas were found on the campuses of two Bergen County high schools this week, authorities announced.

A swastika was found in a stall in a girls' bathroom at Ridgewood High School Monday, Superintendent Daniel Fishbein announced. A student found the swastika next to a Star of David. Both symbols were carved into the stall, Fishbein said in a letter to parents Tuesday. (See related: Swastika Found In Ridgewood High School Bathroom: Superintendent)

The swastika was "small" and not easily visible. The Ridgewood Police Department was notified and is investigating the incident.

"This incident is highly shocking and disturbing," Fishbein said. "Incidents of this nature cannot, and will not, be tolerated in the Ridgewood Public Schools. Our district's zero-tolerance policy for actions of bias is equally important to our proactive mission of promoting a culture of wholeness and communal well-being in our schools."

Swastikas and a racial slur were etched into the partition walls in a bathroom at Pascack Valley High School, Superintendent P. Erik Gundersen said in a letter to parents and the school community. The symbols of hate were discovered Friday. (See related: Swastikas, Racial Slur Found At Pascack Hills High School)

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

"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."

It is the second time in a month swastikas were found in the Pascack Valley Regional High 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)

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com

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