A middle school in New Jersey has launched an investigation over the inclusion of a yearbook photo authorities described as a “serious mistake.”
The image in question was a black-and-white photo of Adolf Hitler, reportedly taken after his birth in 1889.
East Brook Middle School has recalled the yearbooks and is working to replace them.
Image credits: ABC7Chicago
The school, part of the Paramus Public School District, is investigating who approved the inclusion of the image among the baby photos of the graduating eighth graders.
The scandal erupted after a teacher identified the baby in the image while a group of 13-year-old students were signing each other’s yearbooks.
The student who submitted Hitler’s photo has been identified, according to NBC 4 New York.
Image credits: ABC7Chicago
The school’s principal, Ryan Aupperlee, sent a letter to parents condemning the incident.
“An image of him [Hitler] has no place in a yearbook created for our students. It does not reflect who we are or what East Brook stands for, and we condemn its inclusion without reservation,” Aupperlee wrote, per ABC7 New York.
“I want to be direct with you: the presence of this image is unacceptable.
“Even if the image was not immediately recognizable to those paging through the book, its inclusion in an official school publication is a severe breach of our values.”
Image credits: Liaison Agency/Getty Images
The letter concluded, “Thank you for your patience, understanding, and trust as we work to make this right. We remain committed to ensuring that our school reflects the values of respect, inclusion, and dignity for every member of our community.”
The principal also told families in his letter that the school was collaborating with law enforcement to investigate how the photograph made it into the final publication.
Image credits: Wikimedia
Chris DiPiazza, the mayor of Paramus, wrote on Facebook that he was aware of the “unfortunate incident” and had contacted the school district’s superintendent and the local police chief.
“Our borough’s strength has always been because we are a town welcoming to all faiths and home to numerous houses of worship,” he stated.
Speaking with NBC 4 New York, he insisted that the inclusion of the photo does not represent the entire community.
“When anything happens like this, it’s disappointing because I know one bad apple doesn’t reflect the 27,000 residents that love this community and call it home.”
Image credits: ABC7Chicago
Mike Neibart, a math teacher at the middle school, said that it’s “important for the child to understand his mistake, learn that it’s a serious mistake, but it shouldn’t define his life.”
A parent called the student’s submission of the image a “stupid prank” that he should be punished for by the school, but did not think law enforcement should get involved.
However, some residents did not take the incident lightly.
“I’ve seen kids at the park here who joke about that stuff. It’s not funny at all, it’s just gross,” 17-year-old Jackson Tarabokija told NBC 4 New York.
Image credits: Yaroslav Shuraev/Pexels (not an actual photo)
The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office did look into the case, classifying it as a “bias incident,” an offense motivated by someone’s race, religion, gender, or orientation, but not a “bias crime.”
The students graduated from middle school on June 25. It is unclear whether there will be any consequences for the incoming high school freshman.
Image credits: RDNE Stock project/Pexels (not an actual photo)
The incident comes weeks after Katie O’Connell, a principal in Florida, was placed on administrative leave after a lyric from Fetty Wap’s Trap Queen was attributed to her in the school yearbook.
The yearbook reportedly contained an image of the school alongside the quote, “Everybody hating, we just call them fans though! — Mrs. O’Connell.”
O’Connell denies writing or approving the quote. She claimed the final version of the yearbook she approved did not feature the song lyric and that she is usually referred to as “Miss O” instead of “Mrs. O’Connell.”
The rapper reacted by sending O’Connell, who has been the principal of Trout Creek Academy in St. Johns County for the past two years, a bouquet of flowers and a letter of support.
“Principal O’Connell, I hope these flowers lift up your spirit, wishing you the best,” the musician wrote. “God bless from Fetty Wap and the team.”
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