District addressing series of discriminatory incidents in Highland Park, Deerfield high schools

Township High School District 113 leaders are speaking out following multiple separate incidents of antisemitic, racist and anti-gay language and behavior at the district’s two high schools — Highland Park and Deerfield. 

Superintendent Dr. Chala Holland addressed students, families and staff in a communitywide email Friday, Oct. 2, calling attention to the incidents and affirming the district’s commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all students.

Holland wrote that she is “deeply concerned” of the pattern of events, also mentioning recent antisemitic graffiti found in a park in Highland Park, and wanted to “re-anchor” the community to safety, dignity and respect.

“Antisemitism, racism, identity-based discrimination have no place in our school district, and they will not be tolerated,” Holland wrote. “When acts of hate surface in our community, we have a collective responsibility to name them clearly, confront them directly, and work together to repair the harm done.” 

She wrote that the district is taking “firm disciplinary measures,” and also will utilize “restorative practices,” and “educational steps” to ensure students understand the real impact of their actions. 

Holland’s message noted that the incidents were previously communicated via messages from the school principals. The district and district parents shared the messages with The Record: one sent by HPHS Principal Holly Fleischer on Sept. 17 and the other by Deerfield Principal Will Dwyer on Sept. 24, both of which shed light on discriminatory behavior at the high schools within the first two months of the school year. 

Fleischer wrote that HPHS officials responded to at least two such incidents in September. The first involved vandalism in a school bathroom that included “antisemitic language and anti-gay slurs.” 

In a separate incident, the n-word reportedly was used at the high school, she wrote. 

“Let me be direct: this behavior is unacceptable, and it will not be tolerated,” her message says.

Fleisher also included language from the district’s board policies related to harassment and derogatory slurs, saying that the incidents are under investigation and “appropriate action is being taken.”

“To every student who has ever heard this word or other forms of hate language used carelessly, jokingly or cruelly and stayed quiet: I am asking you to reconsider that silence,” Fleischer wrote. “Silence can be part of the problem. … When a hallway goes quiet instead of pushing back, that silence sends its own message.”

In his Sept. 24 message, Deerfield principal Will Dwyer also addressed the recent use of slurs in the high school. 

He noted two incidents: one in which an antisemitic slur was used and another in which a racist slur was used. 

“I’m not sharing these details to alarm you, but because I believe we deserve to face these obstacles with honesty,” Dwyer wrote, later adding “Language like this has no place at DHS. Words carry the power of their history and create exclusion and isolation, the exact opposite of what we strive to build every day.”

Dwyer also wrote about the school’s response, saying the incidents are being investigated and addressed through the student discipline process, which prohibits such conduct.  

Moving forward, Holland requested that District 113 staff remain vigilant and maintain inclusive spaces where every student feels “seen, protected, and supported; that families reinforce the district’s principles at home; and that students stand up for their peers and speak out against hate. 

Students who wish to talk to someone or who may be in need of support should contact their counselor. To report a safety concern, the district asks individuals to contact D113 Director of Security Lane Linder or go through the anonymous tip line (844-224-152, web portal).

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