Swastika found on playground equipment at Downers Grove elementary school
Downers Grove Grade School District 58 officials have asked for extra police patrols in the area around Lester School after a swastika was found etched onto a piece of equipment in the primary playground Tuesday.
District Superintendent Kevin Russell called the occurrence "deeply disturbing" in a message sent to parents.
"We extend our support to the students, teachers and staff at Lester and to the wider school and Downers Grove community," he said. "The swastika serves as the most notorious symbol of hate and antisemitism and has no place in our community."
Downers Grove police are investigating.
District administrators said the swastika was likely placed after school Monday when students had left for the evening. The primary playground is for students in kindergarten through grade two.
An adult reported the crime early in the morning Tuesday "prior to any student playing on the equipment," and it was removed.
"We have no evidence that this symbol was made by a Lester student. Further, we do not believe that any Lester student saw the symbol," Russell said.
The occurrence comes amid concerns about a rise in antisemitism and anti-Muslim hate crimes in Illinois after the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel and subsequent airstrikes by the Israeli army on Gaza.
"District 58 does not tolerate hate in any form and condemns this kind of evil," Russell said. "Lester School and District 58 will continue to foster an inclusive environment where everyone is accepted."