An elementary school principal in Washington state has been placed on administrative leave following her remarks on the swastika as a “symbol of peace” in certain cultures. The controversy began when Principal Heather Snookal of Phantom Lake Elementary School addressed the discovery of a swastika on school grounds, stirring immediate outrage among parents and community members.
Initial Response: A Swift Reaction to a Hateful Symbol
Upon finding the swastika on a wall at Phantom Lake Elementary, Principal Snookal issued a school-wide text alert, describing it as a “symbol of hate” that was promptly removed. In her message, she urged families to discuss the importance of respect and standing against hate with their children.
Snookal stated, “To me, it is the most warped version of inclusion we could come up with to ask Jewish families in this day and age to be tolerant of the swastika.”
A Follow-up Email Adds Fuel to the Fire
Shortly after the initial alert, the principal sent a follow-up email titled “Follow-up on recent incident and cultural awareness.” In the email, Snookal apologized for not acknowledging that while the swastika is widely viewed as a symbol of hate, it also holds historical significance in various cultures. She wrote, “In Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and other ancient cultures, the swastika is a symbol of peace, prosperity, and good fortune. We recognize that for many of our families, this symbol has a positive and spiritual meaning, completely unrelated to the hateful associations it took on in more recent history.”
Her remarks aimed to provide context but instead incited further backlash, with several parents labeling the email as “unacceptable” and scheduling a meeting to discuss their concerns.
District Responds: “No Place for Hate in Our Schools”
In response to the incident, the Bellevue School District swiftly placed Snookal on leave and launched an investigation. They emphasized their commitment to inclusivity and unity, stating, “There is absolutely no place for hate in the Bellevue School District. In a time where words and symbols are used to divide us, we are working with administrators, staff, and students to call our community in for courageous conversations to affirm each other’s cultures, beliefs, and identities.”
The district also acknowledged the distress this incident has caused the Jewish community, which has seen an alarming rise in antisemitic incidents nationwide. They assured families that they are addressing the issue as part of their commitment to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of “The Beloved Community.”
Community Divided Over Historical Context and Sensitivity
Opinions within the community vary, with some parents feeling that Snookal’s comments trivialized the impact of the swastika on Jewish families. “To me, it is the most warped version of inclusion we could come up with to ask Jewish families in this day and age to be tolerant of the swastika,” said Tirzah Dondanville, a parent of two students at the school.
However, another parent offered a different perspective, explaining to KIRO that, “is not erasing what happened to the Jewish community whatsoever. Because you know we all know about it. We all know what happened. But like she said, many symbols do mean different things for different cultures, so we cannot disassociate what one person did and forget what this symbol means to everyone else.”
As the school district continues its investigation, the community remains in heated debate over the implications of Snookal’s comments and the appropriate response to symbols with complex histories. The incident has sparked a broader conversation about cultural awareness, sensitivity, and the role of education in addressing these challenging topics.
