Swastikas Lead to 1 PVHS Student Arrest, 6 Disciplined, Officials Say

A 14-year-old boy Trappe boy faces charges relating to ethnic intimidation after an alleged incident that led to further school discipline of six other students, according to police and Perkiomen Valley School District officials.

Pennsylvania State Police reported that the boy was charged with ethnic intimidation, criminal mischief and harassment after writing “offensive and intimidating ethnic caricatures,” which the school stated to be swastikas, on the schoolwork of a 14-year-old Schwenksville boy on March 15.

According to the school district, it became clear that six other students continued the intimidation in school, and the students were also disciplined.

Since the incident was not “isolated to a dispute between two students,” the high school contacted the PSP on March 21.

“This unfortunate episode is one that our high school strives to prevent through a variety of different programs and opportunities designed to encourage positive behavior among students,” said Jessica Lester, spokeswoman for the school district. 

Lester said, on the whole, that student body embraces acceptance and diversity.

“We work hard to create a learning environment where students feel safe and free from threats. When that safety is compromised, we are sure to act swiftly to identify the cause and to respond appropriately,” Lester said.