Incident at Decatur High Embroils Jewish Community

Monday, April 20, started as a typical school day at Decatur High School (DHS). As Principal Duane Sprull later described in a letter to parents, “a class was outside, participating in a chalk art assignment that aimed to explore students’ sense of wonder. The teacher’s instructions emphasized that all work should adhere to school standards.”

“However,” he continued, “despite these instructions, several political and religious symbols were drawn, including a swastika, which DHS is treating as hate speech.”

Over the next few days, the incident not only entangled the 1,900-student body school at 310 N McDonough St. in Decatur, but it also embroiled the Atlanta Jewish community, with questions about what exactly was drawn.

After the Jewish community was informed about the incident, the focus seemed to be on the principal’s mention of a swastika drawn. However, photos distributed to a few Jewish organizations illustrated a chalk picture of a Jewish student, surrounded by Stars of David and anti-Israel comments. The inconsistency was described by some in the Jewish community as a “discrepancy” that was “distressing.”

When the school was asked about the incongruity, it stated that the incident was “based on student reports and complaints,” and that “the safety of our students and staff is our highest priority. We recognize the impact of such acts and appreciate the bravery of the students who reported this incident. We also encourage other students to follow this example in the future by informing a trusted adult or by using the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System.

“City Schools of Decatur (CSD) and DHS take such incidents very seriously. In accordance with district policies, acts of hate speech and symbols of hate violate Rule 12 of the Code of Conduct: Hate Speech. CSD defines this as conduct that substantially disrupts the educational setting or impinges on the rights of other students, including but not limited to the use of hate speech, discrimination against others based on gender, national origin, race, disability, religion, gender identity, or sexual orientation,” the statement added.

Todd Young, southeast regional director at the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), suggested that the principal may have “misunderstood” the pictures. “This incident seems odd. But our focus is on supporting the victim and to make sure he knows the community has his back.”

Young, who became director of Atlanta’s ADL Southeast region (covering Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, and South Carolina) in February, said that the family of the student feels that the school has been handling the incident well, and that the student doesn’t feel threatened.

In fact, according to the school, the “complainant has withdrawn the complaint.” The school said the investigation of the incident would be completed within days. “Once the investigation concludes, the administration will impose appropriate consequences on any student(s) involved in this incident who violated the Code of Conduct. Due to student privacy laws, we are unable to share further details.”

According to Stacey Hydrick, director of Antisemitism Response Network, Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, “Federation worked directly with the student and the school, and we appreciate that the situation was addressed and appropriate steps were taken. Moments like this must lead to meaningful education and a clear commitment to ensuring all students feel safe and respected.”

Young explained that anytime a person’s identity is singled out, it’s “troubling. If someone’s identity is highlighted potentially to intimidate them,” it’s considered antisemitic. “This incident comes across as antisemitic.”

It would not be the first time Decatur High School has been the site of antisemitic incidents, Young reported. “We’ve gotten reports of antisemitism in Decatur schools over the years going back to 2020.” He noted, however, that the school’s administration has since changed.

And, the school has acknowledged prior cases of charges of antisemitism, stating “incidents have occurred previously. However, City Schools of Decatur takes such incidents very seriously and recognizes the impacts of such acts.”

In December 2022, City Schools of Decatur officials reportedly addressed the display of a swastika during a student production of “The Sound of Music” at Decatur High School, following concerns about its portrayal. The incident prompted conversations regarding antisemitism, school climate, and the need for better educational approaches to hate symbols.

In the metropolitan Atlanta area, Decatur schools certainly aren’t unique in experiencing antisemitic incidents. In 2021, swastikas and “heil Hitler” graffiti were reported in Cobb County middle and high schools. In fact, right in the middle of the High Holy Days, Pope High School reported two incidents of Nazi graffiti in its school, while Lassiter High School and Simpson Middle School each reported one.

Several months later, in early 2022, several students at East Cobb Middle School were disciplined for wearing swastikas and displaying the Nazi victory salute.

Subsequently, the Cobb County Board of Education released a resolution against antisemitism. The ADL responded that “the Cobb County Schools Board of Education’s resolution in response to recent antisemitic incidents is a good first step, but unless followed by specific actions, it’s an empty gesture. Hate in all forms must be responded to with action and education, not empty value statements.”