Merrick middle school student posts antisemitic images on social media
The Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District says the student faced immediate disciplinary action and the incident was reported to Nassau police.
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A Nassau County school district is alerting the community of an antisemitic incident involving a middle school student earlier this week.
The Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District sent a letter to families Wednesday after officials say they learned about an offensive social media photo that was circulating.
The imagery, which was allegedly posted by a Merrick Avenue Middle School student, contained antisemitic drawings, writings and swastikas.
Once made aware of the matter, immediate disciplinary action was taken and a report was made with Nassau police, according to the district.
“We continue to unequivocally condemn antisemitism in all forms and will not tolerate any conduct that demeans or targets any member of our school community based on their religion, ethnicity or identity,” Superintendent Michael Harrington said in the letter to residents.
“Additionally, please know that a student’s actions off school property and outside of school hours can still carry extremely serious consequences when those actions violate the standards of conduct we expect from our students,” Harrington continued.
“The Nassau County Police Department was notified of the incident by the school district and we have spoken with the student and parents involved, as well as school representatives. The school district is proceeding with disciplinary action, as we continue to investigate this incident,” Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder said.
Nassau police say Homeland Security conducted an investigation both at the school and the student's residence.
Parents are outraged about the post and are concerned about what kids are posting online.
"It's very hateful. It makes you worry for the safety of the kids," says Sara Martin, a parent.
"It's terrible. There's a large group of Jewish people in this area," says Jessica Gonzalez, a parent.
Rabbi Shimon Kramer at the Chabad Center for Jewish Life says kids talk about antisemitic incidents with him or staff about five to ten times a year.
"We have the seventh graders in our Hebrew school. They talk to me about those incidents and it is disturbing. We want to feel safe going to school," says Kramer. "It's hurtful, especially happening in our community, in our backyard."
Kramer says he has spoken with the district superintendent after this latest incident.
"We definitely appreciate everything that he's doing. I believe he's doing everything he can both regarding that student and to support the other students in the school," says Kramer.
