Antisemitic Posts Spark Investigation In Freehold Regional High School District

FREEHOLD, NJ — Authorities are investigating after a series of antisemitic posts from students in the Freehold Regional High School District were brought to light, Superintendent Nicole Hazel said.

In a message posted on the district website, Hazel said the district was informed of antisemitic posts that were made outside of school by some of the district’s students.

Though Hazel did not specify the content of these posts, a report from NJ Advance Media said Snapchat screenshots show students discussing plans to dress up as Holocaust victims for Halloween, including one student who planned to dress up as Hitler.

In her statement, Hazel said the district and all of its high schools “unequivocally and in the strongest possible sense condemn antisemitism and all forms of hate.”

“We are treating this matter with the utmost seriousness and taking immediate, comprehensive, and decisive action,” Hazel said.

According to Hazel, the incident is being investigated and addressed through the district’s code of conduct and policies, NJ’s Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act, and Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB) requirements, as well as formal coordination with law enforcement.

Due to federal and state student confidentiality requirements, Hazel said the district is prohibited from disclosing information about individual students involved in the matter.

Counseling and support services are available to students, she said.

“We have and continue to implement anti-bias education through partnerships with local Jewish community organizations,” Hazel said. “The district is committed to comprehensive, ongoing anti-hate and Holocaust education that equips students with the knowledge and tools to recognize, reject, and actively oppose antisemitism.”

“Antisemitism and hate of any kind have no place in our schools,” Hazel continued. “Our high schools remain dedicated to building an inclusive community that actively rejects antisemitism and all forms of hatred. Hate will not be tolerated and has no place in any of our buildings.”

The Freehold Regional High School District includes Colts Neck High School, Freehold High School, Freehold Township High School, Howell High School, Manalapan High School and Marlboro High School.

To see the full statement from Hazel, you can visit the district website and go to “News.”