Chantilly High School Responds to Antisemitic Incident, Increases Security Measures
In response to a recent incident involving an antisemitic symbol and language found on school grounds, Chantilly High School has taken immediate action to address the situation and ensure the safety of the students.
From Chantilly High School on October 10, 2023 about the incident
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A student and a staff member reported an antisemitic symbol and language written on the ground. It has been photographed, removed, and reported to the police.
Out of an abundance of caution, there will be an increased uniformed school security presence at the school tomorrow and throughout the week. The Fairfax County Police Department is aware of the incident and will provide additional patrol presence as they deem appropriate.
Here at Chantilly, and across FCPS, we will not tolerate antisemitism, or any acts of hate in our schools. It is unacceptable that any student feels that this is appropriate behavior. This is not the kind of school community we seek to cultivate. We have made a commitment in FCPS that any time these situations arise, we will share them with our school community to send a clear message that we denounce these actions. Our Superintendent, Dr. Michelle Reid, reaffirmed this in a message on our website.
Every student in FCPS has the right to feel safe and affirmed in our schools. Words matter, no matter the context, no matter the situation. In partnership with the Chief Equity Office, we will continue to work within our school community to have dialogues about dignity, humanization and belonging. I ask you to engage in these same conversations at home. Our students can make a difference in this world by learning to embrace and value our differences instead of using them to divide us.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me directly. I would like to hear your ideas about making Chantilly a more welcoming and culturally responsive environment for all.Sent on October 11, 2023, a follow-up on the incident
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Dear Chantilly HS Community,
I am following up today to share action steps that we will be taking as a school community in response to an incident of anti-semitism that occurred yesterday at a place close to our school grounds.
At Chantilly HS and in FCPS, we are committed to providing an educational environment where all feel welcomed, safe, and supported to learn. It is unacceptable and unfortunate that any person in our Chantilly HS community feels that this is appropriate behavior. This is not the kind of school community and climate we seek to cultivate.
We understand the beauty and strength of the Chantilly HS as a multicultural and diverse community. We have made a commitment in FCPS that any time these acts of hate arise, we will share them with our school community to send a clear message that we denounce these actions.
As mentioned in my original email, we are working closely with the Chief Equity Office. In addition, the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington (JCRC) is supporting this important work. Together with the Chief Equity Office and JCRC, we are working on providing resources to our students, teachers, families, and community members.
At the school level, my administrative team and I are taking action by putting in place the following throughout the school year:
Engaging our faculty Equity Leads and Student Equity Ambassadors
Engaging and informing the community
Training Staff on how to respond
Creating and support student initiated affinity groups
Working with our Equity Office to develop additional avenues to support families
The Chantilly HS Student Services department is, and will continue to be, available to support all of our students with mental health resources. Please do not hesitate to reach out to our school counselors, psychologists, or social workers who can check in with them while at school.
Members of the Equity Office, my administration, and our internal Equity team will be working with teachers and other staff, providing instructional resources and professional development on how to address such incidents.
I ask you to partner with us to engage in these conversations at home. We all can make a difference in this world by learning to embrace and value our differences instead of using them to divide us.
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