A Wisconsin middle school teacher has come under fire for allegedly making an antisemitic gesture and comment during a class session.
Despite the teacher's claim that she did not "intend to cause harm," the incident has sparked widespread outrage.
The incident was detailed in a parent newsletter titled "Elmbrook Community Need to Know," issued on September 21. The report alleges that a female math teacher at Wisconsin Hills Middle School made a Nazi salute in class and instructed students to respond with either "Heil Hitler" or "Heil [teacher's surname]."
Following the incident's online circulation, the school administration sent a letter to all families addressing the situation. According to Fox News, the letter echoed a message previously sent to students and families directly affected by the incident.
Fox News Digital reportedly obtained a copy of the letter, penned by Principal Matt Schroede and distributed to all middle school families on Friday. The letter confirmed the occurrence of the incident and announced an ongoing investigation.
"Regrettably, one of our teachers made an antisemitic gesture and remark during class that is highly offensive to both Jewish and non-Jewish individuals, something we would not tolerate from any student or staff member at Wisconsin Hills," the letter read.
The letter further stated that despite the teacher's lack of harmful intent, the incident was a "clear violation of our staff professional responsibilities." It also mentioned that "disciplinary action and corrective measures," including antisemitism education, were implemented over the week.
The letter emphasized that such behavior does not reflect the attitudes, beliefs, or behaviors of the school's staff members. "As we do with our students, we will hold our staff to the highest standard of professionalism and respond quickly when that standard is not met," it stated.
However, an anonymous parent of Elmbrook schools expressed skepticism about the incident being a one-off event. The parent reportedly pointed to this incident as part of a "pattern of inappropriate behavior in staff at Elmbrook in the last few years."
The parent cited instances such as a sex survey given to students, an inappropriate link in an email signature, and explicit books brought into the school that violated policy guidelines.
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