Swastikas Found Carved in SHS Bathroom

Three swastikas—images adopted by Nazi Germany and associated with antisemitism—were found carved into a girls’ restroom toilet paper holder on Thursday, September 12. 

Although the timing and suspect of the engraving are unknown, SHS Principal Kenneth Bonamo announced that they were discovered and removed on Thursday afternoon. 

Administration at SHS promptly responded to the situation. In a statement sent to students and parents on Thursday afternoon, Bonamo condemned the action and said that “if even one member of our community feels unwelcome or distressed by this incident, that is one person too many. All students, families, and staff members must feel equally included and respected by each of us. Hate speech and scare tactics will not be tolerated and do not represent what we stand for.”

The SHS community has reacted as well. Below is a collection of statements representing varying responses to the inscriptions.

In the following weeks, SHS’s Dignity, Inclusion, and Belonging Team will be meeting with a plan to bring programming to students that promotes inclusivity. Before then, however, Bonamo asks the community to “recommit to the belief that all of us deserve the opportunity to participate fully in our school community and our society at large and to join together in denouncing acts of hatred and bigotry.”