Multiple students have been disciplined after they drew swastikas in student yearbooks at a middle school in Lake Forest, an act school officials called “abhorrent.”
Deer Path Middle School 7/8 Principal Sam Paulsen sent a message to parents last week after the family of an eighth-grade student found multiple swastikas drawn in a yearbook that was signed following a class field trip.
“We are deeply devastated that this abhorrent act of hate occurred at Deer Path by members of our school community. We are committed to cultivating a school culture of belonging for all stakeholders, and any act that discriminates against others is intolerable,” Paulsen said.
The school asked families of all eighth-graders to look through their student’s yearbook to check for any other similar drawings.
School officials learned that two additional students’ yearbooks contained hand-drawn swastikas and a derogatory slang word.
Several students came forward with knowledge of those responsible, Paulsen said in an update.
The investigation was concluded and the school identified the students who authored the imagery and language.
The students were disciplined in accordance with school policy.
“We are proud of the courage and character exhibited by the students who spoke up and reported this information to our administrative team,” Paulsen said.
“We want to reiterate that every single member of our DPM community deserves to feel a sense of belonging and safety,” Paulsen said.
“This incident is contrary to the values and ideals we embrace as a school community, and this type of behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” the principal added.