The Superintendent of Hanover County Public Schools (HCPS) in Virginia apologized Wednesday after the district distributed a logo that resembled a Nazi Swastika.
The school district unveiled a logo that it said was meant to be “four hands and arms grasping together.” Many criticized the insignia for its resemblance to the Nazi Swastika.
“We are deeply sorry for this mistake and for the emotions that the logo has evoked by its semblance to a swastika and, by extension, to the atrocities that were committed under its banner,” school district Superintendent Michael Gill said in a statement. “Unquestionably, we condemn anything associated with the Nazi regime in the strongest manner possible.” (RELATED: Man Arrested In Connection To Swastikas Found On Walls Of Union Station Was Deported Twice: REPORT)
“The Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities is deeply concerned about an image used in a Hanover County Public Schools program,” the group originally wrote on social media.
A T-shirt logo that resembled a swastika has led to an apology from a Virginia public school district’s superintendent. https://t.co/3xSKCAkXpb pic.twitter.com/SyQmaBqo1h
— KATV News (@KATVNews) August 3, 2022
The Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities thanked Gill for his apology, adding that they “look forward to continuing to work with the Hanover County Public School system as we all strive for an inclusive education space and community.”
“We appreciate the swift and definitive response of Superintendent Michael Gill,” the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond’s CEO, Daniel Staffenberg, said on social media.
Rachel Levy, a Jewish former school teacher who is running for the Virginia House of Delegates, took to Twitter to blast the school Tuesday.
“Let’s hope an explanation and apology comes soon,” she wrote.
“And, this is what happens when you refuse to acknowledge that cultural competence & sensitivity are a thing. And that your leadership lacks it. Sadly, stuff like this happens way too frequently with HCPS,” she added.
Levy criticized Gill’s apology Wednesday, writing on Twitter, “NOTHING like that logo goes out or gets approved without his or his PR guy Chris Whitley’s say so.”