On Tuesday, May 24, the Piedmont High School administration team said in an email to the school community that a swastika and the word “Hitler” written in chalk was discovered on the ground in the area behind Binks-Rawlings Gymnasium. The email said the school was investigating.
As a school community, we denounce this act of anti-Semitism, and any messages of hate that targets a group of people based on their culture, religion, race, ethnicity, ability, gender or gender expression, or sexual orientation. These actions have no place in our school, district, or community and stand in direct opposition to the values we share as a society.
Eliminating anti-Semitism and its long history of hate and persecution is a collective effort. In addition to our investigation, we will also address this as a school community. We remind students that when they see something, say something on behalf of those at whom these symbols and messages of hate are directed. All PUSD students, staff, and families have access to the District’s online SpeakUp! Form where anyone can make a report directly of hate speech, graffiti, harassment, or intimidation.