A swastika was found in a boy’s bathroom at Rye Middle School on Tuesday. It was discovered in the afternoon and sources told MyRye.com that the swastika appeared to be scratched lightly onto the inside of a stall door. The incident comes less than three months after a swastika was found on the grounds of Rye Country Day School.
“The presence of this symbol is deeply concerning,” said Rye Middle School Principal Nick Clair in a note to the school community Tuesday evening. “The swastika is widely recognized as a symbol of hate and antisemitism, and it stands in direct opposition to the values we hold as a school community. At RMS, we are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for every student and staff member.”
School officials is urging anyone who knows information to come forward to the school administration or to contact the anonymous Rye Police Department tip line at: tips@ryepd.ryeny.gov or by texting to TIP411. Rye PD is know to be collecting information and interviewing people in regards to the incident.
“Yesterday, there was a swastika found in a bathroom,” said Councilmember Marion Anderson, addressing the issue at the top of the City Council meeting on Wednesday evening. “It should go without saying that anti semitic symbols have no place in our schools or in our community. Such expressions of prejudice are completely unacceptable and totally at odds with our values as a community. We’re saddened and disappointed that a student would deface a bathroom wall in this spanner. The Human Rights Commission will work with the schools on education and programming, and hope that we set a model for the children in our community.”
“It was unfortunate what happened in our schools,” added Rye Mayor Nathan. “It shows why we need a Human Rights Commission in order to have a culture like ours. It requires active commitment.”
Here is a copy of the school correspondence:
———- Forwarded message ———
From: Nicholas Clair
Date: Tue, Mar 3, 2026 at 5:17 PM
Subject: A Message From RMS
Dear RMS Families,
I am writing to inform you of an incident that occurred at Rye Middle School. Earlier today, a swastika was discovered drawn in one of our student bathrooms. We do not know how long it had been there, but it was removed immediately upon being reported. We are investigating this matter and will address it in accordance with our Code of Conduct.
The presence of this symbol is deeply concerning. The swastika is widely recognized as a symbol of hate and antisemitism, and it stands in direct opposition to the values we hold as a school community. At RMS, we are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for every student and staff member.
As you know, we are in the process of becoming a No Place for Hate school. This initiative is grounded in education, awareness, and action to ensure that hate and bias have no place in our building. Incidents like this reinforce why this work is so important. We will continue to engage students in conversations about the impact of symbols, words, and actions, and to reinforce our expectations for respectful behavior.
Over the coming days, we encourage you to have conversations at home about the harmful impact that hate symbols have on individuals and on our broader school community. Please help us send a unified message that such behavior does not reflect who we are or who we aspire to be at RMS.
We share your concern and disappointment that this occurred. At the same time, we remain committed to partnering with you to ensure that Rye Middle School continues to grow as a community rooted in respect, responsibility, and belonging for all.
Please contact the school administration if your child(ren) shares something we should know about this incident. You may also use the anonymous Rye Police Department tip line at: tips@ryepd.ryeny.gov or by texting to TIP411. If you have any questions or concerns, please email or call any of us.
Thank you for your partnership in supporting a school community where all students feel safe, supported, and valued.
Sincerely,
Nick Clair
RMS Principal
Leah Blumenthal
RMS Assistant Principal
blumenthal.leah@ryeschools.org
Tricia Murray, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
