Incident of Hate Speech at the High School

Dear Parents and Guardians, 

The discovery today of racial slurs and symbols drawn on paper at the high school is deeply troubling, particularly as it comes only a few weeks after two separate incidents involving hate symbols at the middle school level within our district. The recurrence of these incidents across our schools raises serious concerns that cannot be overlooked.
When hateful language and symbols appear repeatedly, the impact extends beyond the physical space in which they are found. These acts can leave students and families questioning whether their concerns are being heard and whether enough is being done to prevent them from happening again. Let me assure you that the district does not tolerate this type of behavior. While condemning these acts after they occur is important, as is appropriate disciplinary action given to those found responsible, the real work remains in our commitment to providing students with opportunities to learn from history, recognize the impact of hate and intolerance, promote empathy, and reinforce the importance of respect and inclusion.

As a reminder, I have outlined some of the age-appropriate educational experiences taking place throughout the school year, which were communicated in a prior message: 

• Our seventh- and eighth-grade students heard from Holocaust survivor Marion Blumenthal Lazan this month, preceded by a “First Page Friday” reading from her co-authored memoir, Four Perfect Pebbles. 
• In November, ninth-grade students will participate in a Symbols of Hate assembly.
• Tenth-grade students will continue our annual spring visit to the Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance Center of Nassau County. 
• In November, eleventh- and twelfth-grade students will hear from Consolee Nishimwe, a survivor of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

In addition, student leadership groups from both the Middle School and High School will participate in a workshop focused on building positive school environments and strengthening our school culture. We will also continue our annual interactive student workshops with Dr. Kaplan on maintaining a positive online presence and developing healthy digital footprints.

Thank you for your continued attention to this ongoing matter as well as your role in supporting a school community where everyone feels safe and respected.

Sincerely, 
Gerard W. Poole 
Superintendent of Schools