An elite private school in northern New Jersey was closed Wednesday after a threatening message targeting the black and Hispanic communities was found scrawled on a bathroom wall Monday evening, according to school administrators. The hateful messages were discovered at the Dwight-Englewood School in Englewood around 6 p.m., then scrubbed away and reported to law enforcement. The school would remain shuttered while cops and administrators investigated the act, delaying the return from Passover holiday to continue the investigation and prepare for a reassured return.
The school had previously dealt with a racism scandal when several middle schoolers created a group text sharing racist jokes and offensive language. Upon discovering this, the school brought in outside counsel to assist with disciplinary actions. In the recent incident involving the threatening message on the bathroom wall, details remain sparse as the investigation continues. For now, the school has chosen not to share specifics of the message, leaving parents concerned over a threat that led to the campus closure. Police are analyzing security footage and working on the case to ensure the safety of the community at the school.
The initial email from school head Jeremy Gregersen mentioned an “unknown individual” writing a message threatening the whole community and referencing the Black and LatinX communities on the wall of the boys’ bathroom. Parents were advised to speak with their children about the incident, despite scarce details being revealed. Nearly half of the school’s 1,105 students are students of color, reflecting a diverse student body. The school’s tuition for various grade levels is high, with about 20% of students receiving financial aid.
The incident led to confusion and concern among parents regarding the lack of information provided by the school about the threat. The school took additional security precautions but believed the closure to be necessary for further investigation and to provide support and reassurance to faculty and staff. Gregersen’s follow-up email to parents highlighted the difficulty in discussing such topics with children but emphasized the importance of providing appropriate information, answering questions directly, and validating their feelings.
With the investigation ongoing, it is unclear when the school will reopen, as police and administrators work to resolve the case. The school’s history with racism scandals among its student body adds to the gravity of the recent incident, prompting a need for thorough investigation and proper disciplinary measures. Despite the challenges in addressing such incidents, schools must work diligently to ensure the safety and well-being of all students and staff, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment conducive to learning and growth.
