Elite UN-affiliated school seizes yearbooks with swastikas
A Manhattan private school charging $50,000 annually confiscated dozens of middle school yearbooks defaced with swastikas and antisemitic content, canceling a dance and barring offenders from graduation.
The institution sent a letter to parents on Wednesday announcing the seizure of yearbooks containing hate imagery, racist language, and other offensive material. School administrators have launched an investigation to identify students responsible and determine appropriate disciplinary measures.
School officials discovered hate speech including swastikas along with antisemitic, xenophobic, racist, and homophobic remarks written in the autograph sections of multiple yearbooks, as New York Post reports.
The United Nations International School, which counts actress Pauline Chalamet, former Knicks player Joakim Noah, and former President George H.W. Bush’s daughter Dorothy Bush among its alumni, has urged students to come forward and report those responsible for the offensive content.
Fifteen students have been identified as potentially connected to the incident affecting more than 30 yearbooks. The school confirmed all confiscated yearbooks will be destroyed following completion of the investigation.
School Dance Canceled, Students Barred From Graduation
UNIS spokesperson Lupe Todd-Medina told New York Post that Wednesday’s eighth grade dance for 130 students was canceled, though she insisted the cancellation was not intended as punishment but rather reflected the administration’s profound disappointment.
The middle school convened for a session led by their diversity and inclusion director to address hate speech and its impact on the school community. Students found to have written offensive content in the yearbooks were prohibited from attending Thursday’s graduation ceremony.
Latest In Series Of Antisemitism Scandals
The pre-kindergarten through 12th grade institution, which primarily serves children of diplomats, has faced mounting scrutiny over multiple antisemitic incidents. In February, a longtime Jewish teacher filed a discrimination lawsuit alleging administrators ignored her complaints regarding antisemitism and retaliated against her for raising concerns.
That lawsuit claimed UNIS accepted over $110 million in pledged funding from Oman and Qatar, with permanent representatives from both nations serving on the school’s board of trustees.
Todd-Medina dismissed the lawsuit, stating the school stands firm against baseless allegations and expressing confidence the institution’s integrity and reputation will be upheld through proper legal process.
Parents Report ‘Free Gaza’ Stickers, Boycott Culture
An Israeli parent informed New York Post that a previous yearbook featured keffiyeh imagery, while “Free Gaza” stickers appeared on campus, creating an upsetting environment for Jewish students.
The parent stated the school is failing to adequately address antisemitism and boycott movements targeting Israel.
A private school advisor told the outlet that UNIS is experiencing an exodus of families disgusted by recent developments. The advisor characterized the transformation from top-tier institution to undesirable school as having occurred in less than five years, placing blame on Executive Director Dan Brenner for mismanaging the institution.
Founded in 1947 by United Nations parents seeking an international education for their children while preserving diverse cultural heritages, the school operates guided by UN ideals.
With information from New York Post
