Newport Mesa Unified School District high school students posted photos online of a recent off-campus party showing red cups set up in the form of a swastika and surrounding students giving the Nazi salute. Some of the students involved have since apologized.
In response to many calls reporting the incident to the OC Human Relations, the non-profit which works to foster understanding between the diverse population of the county, posted the following message on their website:
“This weekend many of you alerted us to the social media posts that included anti-Semitic symbols and gestures posted by local youth.
At OC Human Relations we believe that all people deserve to live free of violence and discrimination and that every student deserves a safe place to learn. Even though these events took place off campus we know many students will be feeling their effects as they arrive at school.
We hope our communities come out to show their support for a safe and inclusive community where all people are welcomed and that we can repair the harm done and restore this community.
We are committed to bringing diverse people together to foster mutual understanding and have reached out to offer our support.
“Hate is easy, but love takes courage.” Let these words guide all of us who are affected by this and are working to address it.”
Categories: Community Voices, Regional