The Aurora (Neb.) Public Schools administration is investigating an incident in which two individuals were seen posing in a photo with the Nazi flag in the school’s locker room.
As reported by Lincoln CBS affiliate KOLN, Aurora superintendent of schools Jody Phillips said the administration was made aware late Thursday of the photo, which had been posted to Instagram. It later spread to other social media outlets.
Once the school was made aware of the photo, it contacted local law enforcement, which began an investigation into the post.
Although the social media page where the photo was posted contains the school’s logo, it is not owned or affiliated with Aurora High School or Aurora Public Schools, school officials said.
“The Aurora Public Schools acknowledges this photo is extremely inappropriate and unacceptable,” Phillips said on a Facebook post. “The photo depicts a symbol of hate and offensiveness that the Aurora Public Schools does not condone. It sheds a negative light on our school, school district, and community. This act, and the message it sends, is not tolerated in our school and we will take all means necessary to address this issue.”
The superintendent said the students involved with this photo will be subject to discipline according to the Aurora Public Schools code of conduct and state statute, KOLN reported.
“On behalf of the staff, students, and school community, I greatly apologize for the actions of those involved and the negative message this act sends,” Phillips said. “Our school and school district will work to hold those responsible for this act accountable and continue to educate our students on acceptance, tolerance, hate, and digital citizenship.”
This investigation is ongoing.
