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Pleasantville High School Principal Joseph Palumbo sent a notice to parents on Thursday, Oct. 10 after a student reported that he found a swastika drawn in pencil on a door in a bathroom. When the vandalism was discovered, the bathroom was locked and closed off and the police were notified.
It is the latest in a string of recent messages of hate in Westchester schools.
"The Pleasantville Union Free School District rejects this anti-Semitic act and the use of all symbols/language of hate in our schools," Palumbo said.
The district is planning to work with the Anti-Defamation League and the Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center, holding events and leadership training exercises for students. Faculty district-wide are going to receive anti-bias training next month.
Palumbo addressed students on Friday morning during homeroom and said he plans to make efforts to stop similar incidents from taking place on school grounds.
“We are doing a great deal to engage our students in work that fosters a culture of acceptance and it is critical that we continue these efforts,” Palumbo’s letter stated. “We remain focused on educating and empowering students to embrace our common humanity.”
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