Timing of Latest Swastika Discovered at Westfield High School Hits Community Hard

WESTFIELD, NJ — The latest swastika discovered defacing school property at Westfield High School was found shortly after most of the student community took a pledge against hate, the school’s principal said Thursday.

In an announcement that was both read aloud to students and sent in an email to families, Principal Mary Asfendis said the swastika drawn in pencil on one of the school’s bathroom stalls was discovered late Wednesday afternoon.

“Students need to be clear on the severity of this incident,” Asfendis said. “This anti-Semitic graffiti is a hate crime and was immediately referred to the Westfield Police Department. When similar incidents have happened in the past, the student received consequences from both the school and the legal system.”

Police Chief Christopher Battiloro said custodial staff removed the swastika prior to it being reported to law enforcement. Detectives from the Juvenile & Community Policing Bureau, in conjunction with school officials and the school resource officer are investigating, Battiloro said.

Read more: https://www.tapinto.net/towns/westfield/articles/timing-of-latest-swastika-discovered-at-westfield-high-school-hits-community-hard