"Hit a Jew Day" At St. Louis School: Students Face Punishment

ST. LOUIS — At least four students from a suburban St. Louis middle school face punishment for allegedly hitting Jewish classmates during what they called "Hit a Jew Day."

The incident happened last week at Parkway West Middle School in Chesterfield.

District officials said Thursday they believe that fewer than 10 children of the district's 35 Jewish students were struck.

District spokesman Paul Tandy said that in most cases, the students were hit on the back of their shoulders but one student was slapped in the face.

It began with an unofficial "Spirit Week" among sixth-graders that started harmlessly enough with a "Hug a Friend Day." Then there was "High Five Day."

Soon, though, the days moved from friendly to silly. Next there was "Hit a Tall Person Day" and, finally, "Hit a Jew Day."

District officials believe a handful of children were directly involved. Those who actually struck classmates could face suspension and required counseling, Tandy said. Others who weren't directly involved but taunted Jewish students or egged on classmates could face lesser penalties.

"There is a mix of sadness and outrage," Tandy said. "The concern is a lot of kids knew about it and they didn't take action or say anything."

Karen Aroesty, St. Louis regional director of the Anti-Defamation League, said this was more than a case of bullying. Officials from the group will meet Friday with district leaders to discuss the matter.

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On the Net:

Anti-Defamation League: http://regions.adl.org/missouri/

Parkway West Middle School: http://www.pkwy.k12.mo.us/westmiddle/index.cfm

Comments

[GregJL]

I'm wondering why they weren't punished on "Hit a Tall Person Day". isn't hitting frowned upon in school no matter who or why?

[triplet]

Yes, they should be punished. I live in St. Louis and I am very familiar with the school mentioned in the article. It is an excellent district, and this is an isolated incident. This is very unfortunate to see on national news because it doesn't represent that particular school district in any manner. Our apologies to the students.

[Charity Froggenhall]

Ewwwww.

[bfbenn]

This is a very odd story, for a number of reasons. I have lived in west St. Louis county all my life. I can guarantee you that the Parkway school district has WAY more than 35 Jewish students - I'd find it hard to believe that even the particular school in question has only 35 Jewish students.
I can vouch for the fact that St. Louis has pockets of, shall we say, intolerant people - even though the area as a whole is anything but. There is definitely an increase in the wingnuttery level the farther west you go in St. Louis, but I live in the Parkway district, and have lived, worked with, gone to school with Jews without ever seeing any issue like this.
All that said, I can't help but wonder if this isn't one of these silly kids things that the parents and administrators are overreacting to. I just can't believe (or, to be truthful, don't WANT to believe) that this represents any real pattern of anti-Semitism. I'll be interested to see what kind of local coverage this generates.

[dablack]

I'm afraid I don't see how it's possible to "overreact" to something like this. It doesn't matter whether or not it represents a pattern. These kids were assaulted. Whether or not it happens again is an important issue, but separate from the fact that it did happen.

[triplet]

to bfbenn - I agree with you on all points! - that the school district mentioned is a good one, and that the Jewish population has to be way more than reported in that district, that this is an isolated incident, and that the wingnuttery level increases the further west you go in the St. Louis area. haha Very good. My kids went through Clayton schools which were maybe 40% Jewish at that time, and I can't recall any incident as described. What a shame St. Louis made national news this way. I liked what I saw on national news about the rally by the Arch last Saturday!

[CIgarCityGirl]

Missouri? Really?

Sadly, some kids feel that pointing out that a kid is jewish (and making fun of it) is no different from pointing out that he is tall (and making fun of it). Kids too often attack something about other children that they have no control over - like being red-headed, short, cross-eyed or acne scarred. They are just mean.

What's truly sad is that some of these kids never grow up. Now I understand why 100,000 showing up to see Obama in St. Louis is such a big deal!

Change is coming!

[isis]

In retrospect "PC" was not so bad. At least it was an attempt to get people to be respectful to each other.

[harriettubman]

While i abor any racial discrimination, this is why many American Jews don't seem to get it. Yes, their skin is white but look at the racial animosity that still exists against them. Yet, many in Florida said they will NEVER vote for a black man. SMH. If the tables were turned, many would say they would never vote a Jew into office either. This is how racism works. Let's get rid of it.