The Hopewell Valley Regional School District is investigating another incident involving an antisemitic symbol at Timberlane Middle School, marking the latest in a series of similar occurrences dating back more than a year.
In a letter to families sent Friday as the district headed into spring break, Superintendent Dr. Rosetta Treece said a swastika was discovered on a bathroom stall inside the school.
“I am disheartened to have to notify you of another serious incident involving the discovery of an antisemitic hate symbol,” Treece wrote.
The incident is part of a pattern that has persisted at Timberlane since at least March 2025, raising ongoing concerns among parents and the broader school community.
District calls behavior ‘unacceptable,’ refers to law enforcement
School officials said the incident is being treated as both a disciplinary and potential criminal matter.
“We must be clear: any incident that targets individuals based on their race, religion, ethnicity, heritage, or any other protected characteristic is a grave violation of our community standards,” Treece wrote.
The district confirmed it is working with the Hopewell Township Police Department, and that any identified individuals could face referral to the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office.
“Defacing school property with symbols of hate is not merely a school disciplinary matter; it is a criminal act,” the letter states.
Under New Jersey law, schools are required to report bias-related incidents to law enforcement, triggering an independent investigation to determine whether the act meets the threshold of a bias crime.
Student meetings, additional programming planned
In response to the incident, school administrators have begun meeting with students to reinforce expectations under the district’s code of conduct.
Principal Christopher Turnbull and staff held discussions with students prior to the break, with additional meetings planned after students return.
The district also announced upcoming educational programming tied to Holocaust remembrance.
Students will view the documentary How Saba Kept Singing and participate in small-group discussions when classes resume. There is also an evening community screening is scheduled for April 14 at Hopewell Valley Central High School in observance of Yom HaShoah, or Holocaust Remembrance Day.
District officials said the effort is part of ongoing efforts to address bias and educate students on the historical and emotional impact of hate symbols.
Guidance for families and focus on prevention
The letter also urged parents to speak with their children about the seriousness of such incidents, emphasizing that hate symbols are not pranks but acts intended to intimidate.
“Explain that hate symbols are not ‘pranks.’ They are tools of intimidation designed to make specific groups of people feel unsafe and unwelcome,” the district wrote.
Families were encouraged to discuss both the social and legal consequences of such actions, including the possibility of criminal charges.
The district also highlighted the role of bystanders in preventing future incidents, urging students to report concerning behavior.
Ongoing concern as incidents continue
The latest discovery comes as Timberlane continues to grapple with repeated incidents involving antisemitic imagery over the past year.
While district officials have emphasized a zero-tolerance policy and increased educational efforts, the recurrence of these incidents has kept the issue at the forefront of community discussion.
“Our priority remains the safety and dignity of every student in our care,” Treece wrote.
Looking ahead
School officials said they hope the upcoming break provides an opportunity for reflection before students return.
“It is my sincere hope that we take the time over Spring Break to reflect, and everyone returns to Timberlane with the intention of making the learning environment a safe place for all of our children to learn and grow,” Treece wrote.
The investigation into the latest incident remains ongoing.
