It’s apparently “a thing” at some high schools: Kids take Post-it Notes and stick them on their friends’ car windows.
But the prank took an ugly turn earlier this month at Irvine’s Woodbridge High when a student switched around the tiny yellow notes on another student’s car into the shape of two large swastikas, an ancient symbol that was appropriated by the Nazis and continues to represent hatred of Jews.
The student who drove the car is not Jewish, and the incident was not a targeted attack. In fact, the students involved are friends.
But it wasn’t funny, and others immediately took notice. School staff members removed the sticky notes and used the incident as an educational opportunity to teach the significance of the symbol “and to promote a greater understanding of the impact (the symbols) can have on others.”
“We do not condone the use of any symbols or language that is offensive or hurtful, regardless of intent,” said Annie Brown, a spokesperson for the Irvine Unified School District.
“We remain committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect for all members of the Woodbridge High School and (Irvine Unified) communities,” Brown said.
Citing student privacy, Brown said she could not discuss what happened in the school’s parking lot on March 6, before school began that day. But “in situations such as this, staff will meet with the student and their family and utilize both a disciplinary and education-base approach,” she said.
Antisemitism is increasing across the country
In 2022, there were 3,697 antisemitic incidents in the U.S., according to the Anti-Defamation League’s latest report, a 36% increase from the previous year and the highest number ever recorded.
Most incidents, 2,298, were categorized as harassment, but the ADL also recorded 1,288 incidents of vandalism and 111 assault cases, including one death. (In November, a University of Arizona professor was fatally shot by a former student who may have…
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