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Mercer Island schools condemn swastika vandalism at Islander Middle School; police investigating, district increases supervision
Summary
School leaders said swastikas were found in Islander Middle School bathrooms after winter break. The district condemned the act, has increased supervision and curriculum responses, and is coordinating with police on an active investigation.
The Mercer Island School District said swastikas and other hate symbols were discovered in bathrooms at Islander Middle School after winter break, and law enforcement is investigating.
Superintendent (unnamed) told participants that the "abhorrent act of vandalism on January 1st that was discovered on January 2nd remains an active investigation," and that the district is coordinating with the Mercer County Police Department. He said the district had planned to release video and other visual evidence but postponed doing so because of "some new information."
The superintendent said the district condemns the incident. "It hurts our students, it hurts our community, and we condemn it," he said. He described immediate steps taken at Islander Middle School: a morning announcement condemning the symbols, a staff stand-up meeting to review hall-pass norms, additional supervision in bathrooms and hallways, and an administrator-prepared video sent to students.
District staff also organized a lesson prepared by Islander Middle School's social studies team "about the history, the significance, and the pain of the symbol," which students participated in, the superintendent said. He added that last year's partnership with the Holocaust Center for Humanity will be accelerated: district leaders are speaking with the center's director of education to begin conversations "in earnest."
The superintendent said more than 15 students have already signed up for a new Islander Middle School student group formed "to stand up" to hate and reclaim the school culture. He said staff convened multiple times in the week after break to plan interventions and supports.
The superintendent also described a related community reaction after a regional event in which an invited speaker, identified in the meeting as Dr. David Knight, displayed an image the superintendent said some attendees found offensive. "I've reached out to the individual, Dr. David Knight, and I've asked for an explanation," the superintendent said, adding that he wanted to apologize to anyone who saw that slide.
Police continue to investigate the vandalism, and the superintendent said the district will keep the community informed as appropriate and continue education and supervision measures at Islander Middle School.
Looking ahead, the superintendent said the district will continue classroom and staff-based education about the symbol's history and pain and will sustain increased supervision while the investigation proceeds.
