For Immediate Release

Friday, Oct. 6, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Stoughton Schools Respond after Student Draws Swastika on Computer

STOUGHTON — Superintendent Marguerite Rizzi reports that the Stoughton Public Schools took immediate action Friday after it was reported that a student drew a swastika on a computer.

On Friday morning, during a class group assignment where students were assigned to make up designs for flags, one student drew a swastika.

Another student, working in the same group, noticed what was happening and told the student to stop. The student then deleted the image. The teacher immediately notified school administration.

The student will be disciplined and corrective action will be taken in a manner that is consistent with the values and policies of the Stoughton Public Schools.

Juliette Miller, the high school principal, praised the other student involved, who immediately took action upon noticing the hateful image. 

“The correction provided by the student’s peer and the swift actions of the teacher and administration demonstrate the ideals we value as a community,” Miller said. “Offensive hateful images and words will not be tolerated in our community.”

The name of the student, a sophomore, cannot be released due to federal privacy laws.

The Stoughton Public Schools have a strong partnership with the Anti-Defamation League, and have been drawing upon the organization’s invaluable resources in the wake of two other incidents involving swastikas during the prior academic year.

On Sept. 25, 28, and 29, the ADL was at Stoughton High School training 24 upperclassmen as Peer Ambassadors for the ADL’s A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE® Institute. The training included a focus on understanding symbols of hate. The students will now become peer leaders and meet with all freshmen at Stoughton High School. 

This program will soon be extended to include middle school students as well. Additionally, all faculty are receiving professional development training from the ADL this year.

Superintendent Rizzi spoke with a representative of the ADL today who reviewed and provided guidance on the school’s reaction to the situation. 

“The ADL is a tremendous partner to the Stoughton Public Schools, and we are extremely grateful for the training, guidance and resources they have provided us over the past year,” Superintendent Rizzi said. 

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