Branham High School in San Jose is conducting an investigation after a photograph surfaced showing a group of students forming a human swastika on the school's football field. The image, which was posted online with a quote from Adolf Hitler, has prompted a response from school officials and condemnation from local Jewish community leaders.
The Campbell Union High School District (CUHSD) and the San Jose Police Department are now involved, addressing what officials have called a “disturbing and unacceptable act of antisemitism.” The incident has raised significant concerns about student safety and the rise of hate symbols in educational environments.
Key Takeaways
- Branham High School is investigating a photo of students forming a human swastika on its football field.
- The photo was shared on social media accompanied by a quote from Adolf Hitler.
- The school district has condemned the act and is partnering with community organizations for educational initiatives.
- The incident is being investigated by the San Jose Police Department as a potential hate crime.
- Community leaders report a significant increase in antisemitic incidents in local schools.
School Officials Launch Investigation
Administrators at Branham High School were alerted to the photograph last week through an anonymous tip line. Principal Beth Silbergeld confirmed the incident in a statement, emphasizing the school's commitment to a safe and respectful environment for all students.
“CUHSD and Branham stand firmly against all forms of hate, discrimination, and intolerance,” Silbergeld stated. “While this incident does not reflect the values of the vast majority of our students and families, the harm it caused is real and must be addressed.”
The students involved in the photograph have been identified. According to the principal, they are “committed to taking accountability for the harm that was done.” However, due to federal privacy laws, the school cannot disclose their names or the specific disciplinary actions being taken.
Police Involvement
The San Jose Police Department confirmed on Monday that it has opened an active and ongoing investigation into the incident as an alleged hate crime. The collaboration between the school and law enforcement underscores the seriousness of the event.
Community Reacts with Fear and Disappointment
The public sharing of the swastika photo has sent shockwaves through the local Jewish community. Leaders from various organizations expressed both heartbreak and fear over the blatant display of antisemitism.
“It is such a blatant display of antisemitism. It’s not just the fact that they created the human swastika. It’s the caption underneath that is directly taken from … one of Hitler’s own speeches about the Jews.”
Klima noted the boldness of the act, pointing out that the students did not cover their faces and posted the image publicly. She explained that such incidents create a climate of fear, making community members question whether it is safe to be visibly Jewish, such as wearing a Star of David necklace.
Parents within the district are also feeling the impact. Maya Bronicki, education director for BAJC, described parents as “beyond anxious.”
“It came to the point where I’m hearing constantly from parents, ‘I don’t want anyone to know my kid is Jewish.’ This is an environment that no kid should live in because they should not hide their identity or their religion in order to be safe at school.”
State Senator Dave Cortese also weighed in, calling the incident “deeply disturbed.” He stressed that “there is absolutely no place for antisemitism, or any form of bigotry, in our schools or in our society.”
A Broader Pattern of Antisemitism
This event does not appear to be isolated. Community organizations report a significant increase in antisemitic incidents at schools, particularly since the October 7 attacks on Israel by Hamas.
Staggering Numbers
The Bay Area Jewish Coalition, which serves Santa Clara County, has received 500 reports of antisemitic incidents at K-12 schools since November 2023 alone. This highlights a growing trend that has many families on edge.
This is not the first time Branham High School has faced issues related to antisemitism. The California Department of Education previously found that two teachers at the school had discriminated against Jewish students by using biased language to describe the Israel-Hamas war.
Marc Levine, regional director of the ADL’s Central Pacific Division, called the human swastika “repulsive and unacceptable.”
“The swastika is a terrorizing symbol of antisemitism and the Holocaust perpetrated against Jewish people and others by Hitler and the Nazis,” Levine said, confirming that the ADL is in discussion with the school's administration.
Educational Response and Moving Forward
In response to the incident, Branham High School is planning to implement “multiple educational approaches.” The goal is to teach students about the Holocaust, the history of hate symbols, and the impact of antisemitic speech.
The school intends to partner with several key organizations to develop its curriculum and response, including:
- The Anti-Defamation League (ADL)
- The Bay Area Jewish Coalition (BAJC)
- The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of the Bay Area
Adriana Lombard, director of public education for JCRC, emphasized that such incidents harm all students, not just those who are Jewish. She pointed out that many young people encounter hateful symbols online without the educational context to understand their violent history and the pain they cause.
Community leaders hope this highly visible incident will lead to more robust and preventative education. Bronicki suggested that if proper training had been in place, “hopefully this could have been prevented.”
The district superintendent, Robert Bravo, called the act “unquestionably antisemitic and unacceptable” and acknowledged the district's responsibility. “As a school community and as educators, we recognize our responsibility to address and repair the harm caused by these incidents,” he stated.
The investigation and the school's subsequent actions will be closely watched by parents and community members hoping for meaningful change and a safer school environment.