NEWS

Swastikas found on Kat-Lew school property again

Christopher J. Eberhart
ceberhart@lohud.com

LEWISBORO - Swastikas were found on Katonah-Lewisboro school property for the third time in the last month.

The most recent incident was discovered on Monday when a student told school officials about swastikas drawn on two seats of a school bus that travels to private schools.

School district officials said police have started an investigation, and superintendent Andrew Selesnick notified parents and teachers Tuesday afternoon.

This incident follows a discovery of swastikas carved and drawn on a tree at John Jay High School last Thursday and the arrests of three juveniles for a separate incident of swastikas painted at Lewisboro Elementary School over the winter break in late December.

SIGHTINGS: Swastikas found in SUNY Purchase College dorm

CAUGHT: Juveniles arrested in Lewisboro swastika case

Selesnick said the school district is working with organizations, such as Katonah-Lewisboro’s inter-faith council and the anti-defamation league, to discuss how they can work together and to understand what resources are available to "confront this deeply troubling sequence of events."

“Spreading awareness is the first step,” said Superintendent Selesnick. “It is important that the entire community be aware of what has happened and how we’ve responded so far."

State police referred calls to Lewisboro police.

Selesnick is also asking families to talk to their children about what the symbol represents and shared an anti-defamation league document with the school community about the history and impact of the swastika to get the conversation going.

“I ask all to think of these recent events as a challenge, not just to those of us who work and study in the schools but to our community as a whole,” Selesnick said. “I commit to you that we will do what we can, within the walls of the schools, to help students understand the awful power and legacy of that symbol. The work of combating hatred doesn’t end with the school day or at the perimeters of school property. The work of inspiring compassion and respect is work for us all.”

The Journal News/lohud reporter Matt Spillane contributed to this report.

Twitter: @ChrisEberhart2