The world we live in and share has been filled with hate and disrespect for our own neighbors. Unfortunately, someone decided to install a large swastika near I-70, next to Morrison and Lookout Mountain. This incident can cause students to feel hurt and feel hatred towards fellow peers. “I was hurt but not surprised. For the most part, I was disappointed that someone would do that,” said Zack Goldenberg ‘27.
But what can we do about this? Malakai Johnson ‘26 said, “I think any act of hatred towards race, sex, or religion should be punished by disciplinary action.” The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office launched a criminal investigation after removing the swastika the day after, which was on October 11th. These actions can be charged as hate crimes, and punishments can be up to 18 months in jail and $5000 in fines.
We run into the issue of jokes vs harmful hatred. “I feel students need to be informed and educated about misinformation and what is actually hate and not just a joke,” said Johnson. These incidents are affecting students and their lives. Goldenberg said, “It affected me in sports, public, and friends,” after being asked how these incidents affected him. “I know I’m not alone in the Jewish community.”
Goldenberg also mentioned these recent events, “at times after these events, students were empathetic and welcoming at Heritage”. Thankfully, students are understanding these incidents and impacts. Johnson said, “It’s important to call out hatred and discipline those who continue the hate.” He also added, “I feel like school nowadays doesn’t talk about antisemitism; they avoid the uncomfortable.” It takes students, teachers, and everyone if we want to combat antisemitism, hate, and these horrid actions. It takes all of us to support and help one another through these, and to support and respect each other.