Friday, June 11, 2021

Letter from Principal Hanna regarding incident at FHS

Sharing a letter from Mr. Hanna regarding an incident at FHS:

06/10/21

Dear Franklin High School Community,

I am deeply saddened to inform you that late in the school day yesterday, graffiti depicting swastikas was found in a 3rd Floor Boys Bathroom.   The graffiti was promptly removed and an investigation was immediately initiated.   In addition,  I contacted the Franklin Police Department, and we are providing full cooperation and assistance to them.  As soon as our investigation is concluded and if we are able to identify the person(s) responsible, we will follow up with disciplinary consequences and education as set out in the Franklin High School Handbook.    We will also take appropriate steps to remedy the negative impact of these acts on the school community and restore a sense of safety and support for all.  

The fact that the swastika graffiti was found at Franklin High School is far beyond disappointing.  It is extremely troubling and highly inconsistent with the inclusive culture we are committed to creating at Franklin High School.   Franklin High School is no place for hate.   I pledge to you continued vigilance in this matter as well as continued long-term efforts to promote and support a positive, hate-free school environment.  While we believe that the steps we’ve taken this year to address diversity and inclusion have done a great deal to further our school’s mission of being a welcoming and safe school environment, it is clear that we still have a long way to go.  

     To that end, we will be implementing the following initiatives:

  • We will provide an opportunity for students and faculty/staff to gather and meet with an administrator/counseling team to process their feelings in the immediate future, if they wish to do so.  In the meantime, counselors are available to talk to any individual child wishing for support in the current moment.

  • FHS students, faculty, staff, and administrators participate on the district’s  Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee that is leading efforts on bringing awareness to and affirmation of diversity within our school community and developing age-appropriate curriculum and discussions to promote a safe and inclusive learning environment for each and every child. This Committee will continue into the 2021-2022 school year and beyond, in order to continue efforts further into the future.

  • I will be addressing the school tomorrow morning before we begin the National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance with a reminder of our core values, and how we have no room for hate at Franklin High School.  

Lastly, I’d like to thank the reporter who brought this to our attention.  It takes courage to call out acts of hate and it is a critical part of our growth as a truly safe and inclusive community.   As we move forward from this incident, please know that we are deeply committed to the goals that all students are safe and that all students develop empathy and respect for others.   I will keep you updated on our progress.   

Respectfully,


Joshua Hanna



Letter from Principal Hanna regarding incident at FHS
Letter from Principal Hanna regarding incident at FHS


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