---

Neptune Township Superintendent Tami Crader issued a formal statement via the school district’s website Thursday addressing the social media post involving students standing before a wall graffitied with a racial slur and anti-Semitic symbol.

While Crader could not be reached for comment at the time of this posting, her letter states that she and the district are working in conjunction with Neptune Township Police Department to get to the bottom of the matter.

“At this time, district administrators are working collaboratively with local police to investigate this incident, which we now know took place outside of Neptune,” Crader said in the written statement.  “The Neptune Township High School Administration is working with staff to educate and support our students in the wake of this incident. Administration, Counseling staff and teachers are providing students with opportunities to voice and discuss their concerns as we move through the situation. Utilizing ‘teachable moments,’ the district message is one of strength and unity.”

Neptune Township Police Department spokesman Capt. Michael McGhee said the students face no local legal charges because the incident occurred outside of their jurisdiction.

“We are working with the school district to ensure that there are no retaliatory incidents,” he said. “We do work with the school district on a continual basis.”

The social media post was obtained by this news organization but because the students are minors, we will not share the photograph.

The snapshot shows the two teens posing in front of the graffitied wall adorned with swastikas and the racial slur. One teen is smiling with what appears to be a spray paint canister in his hand and the other teen looks to be inhaling a vaping device. Both are gesturing in a manner that showcases the art wall.

It is not yet known if the students will face any out of jurisdiction charges or reprimand from the school district.

Below is Crader’s letter in its entirety:

Dear Parents and Community Members:

It has come to our attention that, through social media, a picture of two students standing in front of a wall on which a racial slur and anti-Semitic symbols have been painted has been circulated.  The image leads the viewer to believe that the students in the picture have spray painted this wall and that they subscribe to the message it sends.  Please be assured that the inherent message contained within this image is not one that is reflective of the teachers’, administrators’, or Board of Education members’ beliefs, actions, or opinions.  The message that is implied through this image is contrary to the mission of our district.  The Neptune Township School District values and celebrates the diversity within our community and will not tolerate any attempt to undermine the strength of that diversity.

I encourage parents to speak to their children about the negative impact of actions that violate the expectation of civility and respect.  I also encourage parents to caution their children about the consequences of taking reactive measures into their own hands, further escalating the potential divisiveness of this recent social media incident.

At this time, district administrators are working collaboratively with local police to investigate this incident, which we now know took place outside of Neptune.  The Neptune Township High School Administration is working with staff to educate and support our students in the wake of this incident. Administration, Counseling staff and teachers are providing students with opportunities to voice and discuss their concerns as we move through the situation. Utilizing “teachable moments,” the district message is one of strength and unity.

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact Mrs. Joseph, Principal, or Dr. Crader, Superintendent.

Sincerely,

Dr. Crader, Superintendent

Mrs. Joseph, NTHS Principal

—————————————————————

 

---