Swastikas and anti-Semitic slurs were discovered early Sunday morning along the back side of Syosset High School.
Nassau County detectives said a school security officer patrolling the high school at 70 Southwoods Rd. around 7 a.m. Sunday found anti-Semitic writings, including swastikas, along walls, doors and windows in the rear of the school.
According to the release, “MS-13” was also painted on the building in multiple colors along with other profanities.
Detectives said the incident happened between 2 and 4 a.m. Sunday.
Nassau County Legislator Arnold Drucker (D-Plainview), who’s district covers Syosset as well as Old Westbury and Roslyn Heights, asked in a release for county officers to increase patrols in the Syosset area.
“News of [Sunday] morning’s latest hate-based offense is sickening and repulsive,” Drucker said in a statement. “I have been in contact with local law enforcement to step up police patrols in the area, and around our local schools, for the safety and security of our local residents and students. With many students scheduled to attend Freshman orientation tomorrow at Syosset High School, I want to reassure our community that these brazen, cowardly acts of hate will not be tolerated here, or anywhere else.”
Syosset Central School District Superintendent Tom Rogers said in a statement the district is conducting an investigation in parallel with the county’s investigation. Rogers said he believes hate speech “tears at the very fabric of a community – its unity; and at the heart of our families – their identity.”
“In my commencement address to the Class of 2017 not 2 months ago, I hailed Syosset’s wonderful diversity and applauded the very tangible steps that the school board, the graduates, and this community have taken to ensure our diversity is both acknowledged and celebrated,” Rogers said. “One need look no further than the nightly news to see that our nation’s broader commitment to tolerance is being tested. But I am convinced that Syosset’s dedication to diversity is not superficial. It was not created overnight, and it will not be easily undone by the overnight actions of a few.”
Syosset alumnus Judd Apatow, producer of “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy” and “Superbad,” took to Twitter Sunday night asking those with information to call the police.
Detectives ask that anyone with information about the incident anonymously contact the Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS.
