NEW ROCHELLE, NY — In a letter to families dated April 16, City School District of New Rochelle Superintendent Corey W. Reynolds said an act of racist and antisemitic vandalism involving students at a school playground is being investigated.
“It is with great concern that I share with you today that our school district is investigating the discovery of anti-semitic and racially derogatory images and verbiage scratched onto a playground blacktop at Albert Leonard Middle School,” Reynolds wrote. “Our staff immediately erased the images, identified the students, and took appropriate action.”
The superintendent added that the district “stands united in condemning any expression of hate toward any member or group of our community.”
The school chief promised to address the incident “head-on, having the difficult conversations, and taking the necessary actions to reaffirm that we will not tolerate hate in our schools, in our community, or in our society.”
The superintendent’s message to the community can be read in full below.
The City School District of New Rochelle stands united in condemning any expression of hate toward any member or group of our community. It is with great concern that I share with you today that our school district is investigating the discovery of anti-Semitic and racially derogatory images and verbiage scratched onto a playground blacktop at Albert Leonard Middle School. Our staff immediately erased the images, identified the students, and took appropriate action.
Our school district has no tolerance for such acts, which violate our sense of decency and Code of Conduct, and directly conflict with our values of unity and belonging. We reject all forms of discrimination and hatred.
Our students’ well-being and safety are our highest priorities. The City School District of New Rochelle is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment where every child feels valued and accepted.
We are addressing this incident head-on, having the difficult conversations, and taking the necessary actions to reaffirm that we will not tolerate hate in our schools, in our community, or in our society. Let us stand united against hate and bigotry as “One New Rochelle” and move forward with understanding and empathy for our neighbors, classmates, colleagues, and community.
Sincerely,
Dr. Corey W. Reynolds
Superintendent of Schools
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