March 6, 2025 By Carol Britton Meyer
Following the discovery by students of an image of a swastika on the wall of a boys’ bathroom at Hingham High School today (March 6), Interim Principal John Buckey urged the HHS community in an email to “remain vigilant against such expressions of hate and to continue promoting the values of respect and tolerance that have long been hallmarks of our school.” The image was removed immediately by custodians at the school.
School counselors are available to support impacted students and to connect families with resources.
In addition, school administrators reached out to Rabbi Eric Berk and Cantor Steven Weiss at Congregation Sha’aray Shalom and other community partners to ensure students and their families have access to resources as needed.
“It should go without saying that antisemitic symbols have no place in our school. Such expressions of prejudice are completely unacceptable and totally at odds with our values as a community,” Buckley said in his message to the HHS community that was sent immediately following the incident. “We are both saddened and outraged that a student would deface a bathroom wall in this manner.”
In response to the incident, Weiss posted on Facebook that he is proud to serve as president of the Hingham Hull Religious Leaders Association and shared a statement they issued in response to the act of hate discovered at HHS this morning:
“In response to the recent discovery of an antisemitic symbol of hate in a boys’ restroom at Hingham High School, the Hingham Hull Religious Leaders Association condemns this act of hate and stands united against prejudice and in support of the Jewish Community.
Acts of hatred diminish the sanctity of the individual as well as the community, both of which we tirelessly endeavor to elevate. We call on all members of our community to speak out against this and all acts of hate and remain united as we continue working together to build a stronger and more supportive community.”
Building administrators have launched a full investigation. “If we are able to locate the perpetrator, the actions would warrant severe disciplinary consequences under our school’s Code of Discipline,” Buckley said.
In a message to the overall Hingham Public Schools community, Supt. of Schools Katie Roberts said she was saddened to share this news and expressed gratitude to “the vigilant students who swiftly reported the incident to building administrators and for the decisive action of our administrative team who mobilized to remove the hateful symbol.”
Roberts went on to say that “hate has no place in our schools or in the broader Hingham community, and this incident is in direct conflict with our district’s core values. We are committed to fostering an atmosphere where everyone in the Hingham Public Schools feels safe, supported, and welcomed. We will continue to promote peace and combat discrimination through our educational programs as we encourage our students to be ‘upstanders’ who stand up to hateful acts.”
Roberts expressed appreciation for the “on-going partnership of students, staff, administrators, families, and community members who strive to make Hingham an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.”
The Hingham Human Rights Commission shared the following statement after the incident:
“The Hingham Human Rights Commission was informed that an image of a swastika was on the wall of the boys’ restroom at Hingham High School. Such antisemitic symbols have no place in Hingham and are not only an attack to a specific group of our students but also diminish us as a community. We condemn this act of hate and stand united against prejudice and in support of the Jewish Community.
We encourage Hingham’s community members to model tolerance and diversity, advocate for all of Hingham’s vulnerable communities, and support parents to have thoughtful discussions with their children about the destructive nature of antisemitism in our town.
The Human Rights Commission is committed to fostering a community where everyone feels safe, supported, and welcomed. We will continue to reject discrimination throughout Hingham and encourage our leaders, students, town employees and community members to stand up to hateful acts. We will remain united as we continue working together to build a stronger and more supportive community.”
Helpful resources are available to those who have been impacted by this incident, including the Anti Defamation League website at https://www.adl.org/ and a video regarding “How to Teach Children about the Painful History of Swastikas” at https://www.facejewishhate.org/.
