October 23, 2008
FROM ASSOCIATED PRESS
http://www.suntimes.com/news/nation/1239127,st-louis-jews-hit102308.article
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.
It began with an unofficial ‘‘School 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 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.
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.
FROM ASSOCIATED PRESS
http://www.suntimes.com/news/nation/1239127,st-louis-jews-hit102308.article
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.
It began with an unofficial ‘‘School 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 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.
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.
