Carmel BOE Statement Regarding Recent Anti-Semetic Vandalism At Carmel High School

The Carmel Schools Board of Education Trustees today released the following letter to the Carmel Community regarding the recent findings of anti-semitic vandalism on school property. They report that a swastika was found earlier today carved into the leg of a table in the cafeteria at Carmel High School and just last month a swastika and the words “Adolph Hitler” were found on the tennis courts. The Trustees are asking for members of the public who have any information regarding either of these events come forward with the information.

The following is the text of the statement released by the BOE:

October 3, 2023 

Dear Parents, Staff and Carmel Community,

It has come to the attention of the Board of Education that a swastika was discovered today carved into the leg of a lab table at Carmel High School. This discovery follows the discovery of a swastika and the words “Adolf Hitler” on the tennis courts of the same school last month. We, as the Board of Education, recognize that these are not isolated incidents, and condemn in the strongest possible terms this antisemitic vandalism.  We remain committed to fostering a safe learning environment free from all racism, discrimination and harassment, and with accountability for those who would seek to intimidate any members of our community. 

Acts of hate such as these go against all the values we strive to embody in our schools and our community. The Carmel Central School District is committed to fostering a district that places diversity, equity, and inclusion as our cornerstone, promoting the fair treatment and participation of all students. We stand behind the district administration’s work to use the opportunity of this hateful act to educate our entire student body in acceptance and inclusion. We will do everything within our power to ensure that this incident of hate is addressed, and we will continue to do the work that ensures that all of our students are safe and respected in all of our schools. 

We join the administration in urging anyone with information regarding this antisemitic vandalism to come forward and in advising any students or parents with concerns to reach out to their building leadership or guidance counselors for assistance.

Sincerely,

Carmel Central School District Board of Education

Dawn Dall

Valerie Crocco

John C. Curzio II

Jordi Douglas

Melissa Orser

Jason Paraskeva

James Wise