HIGHLAND PARK, Ill. (WBBM Newsradio) – The high school district serving Highland Park and Deerfield is promising disciplinary action and education following multiple incidents involving antisemitism, racism and anti-gay slurs over the past several weeks.
Township High School District 113 Superintendent Chala Holland addressed the incidents in a letter Friday to students, families and staff. The district serves Highland Park High School and Deerfield High School.
Holland did not describe the incidents, identify which school they occurred at or say whether anyone had been disciplined.
She said behavior targeting people based on race, religion or other protected identities would prompt immediate investigation and consequences under district policies. The district also uses educational measures and restorative practices to help students understand the impact of their actions and repair harm.
Holland’s letter also referenced recent antisemitic vandalism in Highland Park and Deerfield. She did not establish a connection between that vandalism and the school incidents.
A swastika was found on a playground slide at Highland Park’s Devonshire Park on Sept. 22. Antisemitic vandalism was also discovered at Deerfield Village Hall overnight Sept. 27-28. Both were removed.
Holland urged families to discuss empathy and respect at home and asked students to speak out against hate and support their peers.
Students seeking support can contact their counselors. Safety concerns can be reported to district security officials or anonymously through the District 113 tip line by calling or texting 844-224-1521.
