Two Weeks After Holocaust Remembrance Day, Hate Strikes Ramapo HS—We Must Do Better

I am devastated to share the attached letter, posted on the RIH district website today, regarding a swastika found on the wall of a restroom at Ramapo High School. You may remember a similar incident reported last year, where the investigation did not lead to any reported consequences. This incident occurs just 2 weeks after International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

WE MUST DO BETTER.

Important Message From Superintendent DeMarco

February 13, 2025

To the Ramapo-Indian Hills Regional High School District Community,

We are deeply disturbed by the recent discovery of an apparent image of a swastika on the wall of a restroom at Ramapo High School. We also are investigating another report of printed words that may violate our school’s policies.

As we have conveyed in the past when similar incidents have come to our attention, the Ramapo-Indian Hills School District unequivocally condemns racism, antisemitism, and acts of hatred. Images of hatred and racial bias are deplored and have no place in our schools.

While the second of these matters remains under investigation, and therefore we cannot provide details, please be assured that the District immediately took action in response to both reports. With regard to the image in the bathroom, we immediately took steps in accordance with policy and law. In this process, the offensive symbol was removed, law enforcement was contacted, and an investigation ensued. This investigation has now concluded, and we continue to provide support to students as needed.

These incidents serve as an indicator for us to do better. Whether the image was old or new, evident or obscure, we must use this discovery to enhance our work with students in order to fulfill the District’s ongoing mission of eliminating all bias and discrimination and promoting mutual acceptance and respect among our students.

We are grateful to be connected with the Jewish Community Relations Committee of the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey and their guidance and expertise is beyond compare. We will continue to work with and keep in close communication with them in order to support our educational work, our students and our community.

We understand that these situations may have a profound impact on our students and staff. We remain committed to ensuring that our schools remain safe, secure and nurturing spaces for all students. We encourage you to remind your children of the resources available to them should they be needed. Please do not hesitate to contact the school if you or your child are in need of additional support or resources.

These incidents will not define the Ramapo Indian Hills Community. Rather they will drive us to do better, be better, and work together in unity to embrace our diversity and foster learning environments that are warm, nurturing and welcoming for all.

Sincerely,

Shauna C. DeMarco

Superintendent of Schools