Hate Has No Place in Our District
November 6, 2018
Dear Pascack Valley High School Students, Parents/Guardians, and Staff,
The Pascack Valley Regional High School District condemns all acts of intolerance, violence, and hate. Such expressions are detrimental to the well-being of all people, in all environments, and especially for children and educators in our schools. When hate crimes take place in our schools, we need to make sure people realize these events do not reflect our views and beliefs, are unacceptable, and will be investigated.
In the past six weeks, the following has taken place:
A swastika was found in two separate boys’ bathroom stalls at Pascack Valley High School. Swastikas are symbols of hate and have absolutely no place in our schools.
Upon finding each one, we immediately contacted the Hillsdale Police Department and closed the bathrooms for the removal of the swastikas.
The Hillsdale Police Department launched an investigation, and we are actively assisting their effort so we can determine who is marking our school with these symbols.
Building administration contacted the Student Government Association to work on ways we can collaboratively educate students against such acts.
I have been in contact with several concerned parents, local religious leaders, and the Anti-Defamation League regarding what has taken place, and our current actions with regard to these incidents.
On Monday, November 5, concerns regarding these incidents were raised and discussed at our Board of Education meeting.
Unfortunately, this morning, three more swastikas were found by our staff. These areas were immediately closed off and the Hillsdale Police Department was contacted so they can be investigated.
Through our curricula, assemblies, and many of our co-curricular clubs, we work hard to promote an environment of caring, compassion, and respect for all people. In the coming days and weeks, we will be instituting additional programs to help us address what has unfortunately gone beyond isolated incidents.
We cannot let an individual, or small group of individuals, who spreads a message of hate, become a cloud casting a shadow over our wonderful community. Pascack Valley’s students and educators strive toward mutual respect and understanding, which has and continues to shine in so many ways.
We need your help to ensure all students have an attitude geared toward caring, compassion, and respect for all people. In light of the recent events in Pittsburgh, and now in the halls of our own school, I urge everyone – students, parents, staff members – to talk about how we can all be more caring, compassionate, and respectful. We also ask that if you ever encounter a person or environment of intolerance, violence, or hate, that you share your concern with someone from our staff so we can assist.
I will keep our community abreast regarding the progress of our upcoming programs, and welcome you to contact me directly with any concerns.
Sincerely,
P. Erik Gundersen
Superintendent of Schools
I was a student at PV H.S. from 1982 – 86, some members of the schools football team had drawn swastikas on their helmets, during a game versus a county high school with a significant number of Jewish students. The incident never made the news then & the students only punishment was a few day suspension. This current incident is nothing new to this area.
During that 80’s Era. The seniors had a Halloween event with 2 or 3 students dressing as KKK with the white hoods. There were minor repercussions for this also.
This school might be highly rated for academics & such, but look at the schools ethnic breakdown & these incidents. Bigotry & racism are nothing new here. It’s been tolerated unfortunately.
Just so I understand this – the police were called because some dipshit HS kid scratched a swastika in the bathroom?
Was anyone hurt? I would go ahead and chalk this up to some moron HS outcast being an idiot. Not sure you need to call the anti defamation league and cops for christs sake.
There are shitty people in this world –
Always have been and always will be.
Calling the cops? Lol.
Liberals: This is a hate crime committed by right-wing terrorists.
Everyone Else: This is the work of stupid teenagers.