Swastika drawing found in New Trier High School bathroom

An etching of a swastika reportedly was found inside a bathroom stall at New Trier High School’s Winnetka campus, the school announced on Thursday.

In an email to district families, Winnetka Principal Denise Dubravec and Superintendent Paul Sally said the school opened an investigation “as soon as the incident was reported” by a New Trier student.

“This symbol of antisemitic hate has no place in our school, and we condemn it,” the letter says. “We are working to find the person responsible.”

The letter also says that district officials are aware of the magnitude of the incident with antisemitic activity on the rise “locally and across the country.” According to the Anti-Defamation League, antisemitic incidents surged in the wake of Hamas terrorist attack in Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.

New Trier Township is home to a significant and longstanding Jewish community. Dubravec and Sally wrote that the district is supporting students, in part, through its affinity groups — “safe spaces for students who share an identity,” according to a previous presentation on the initiative. The school does offer a Jewish Affinity Group.

The letter concludes, “Bias incidents and expressions of hate hurt our efforts to be a place where every student, staff, and family member feels welcome and that they belong. We commend the bravery of the student who reported this incident and will continue to work to stamp out hate in all its forms in our school community.”

The district asks anyone with information on the swastika graffiti to contact Durbravec at dubraved@nths.net.

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