An investigation is underway after a photo taken of teenagers at a party in Newport Beach surfaced appearing to show the teens giving a Nazi salute to a swastika made out of red solo cups.
According to ABC 7, the picture was taken at a recent party and those in the photo are believed to be students at Newport Harbor High School.
Receiving a lot of messages of outrage over this photo posted to #Snapchat last night. Being told this was a party with HS students from #CostaMesa and #NewportBeach. Working on this story… waiting to hear from the district and schools these kids may attend. @ABC7 #OrangeCounty pic.twitter.com/8Dt4uaXwRi
— Greg Lee (@abc7greg) March 3, 2019
The Newport-Mesa Unified School District and the Newport Beach police are investigating the photo and the party.
“We were recently made aware of social media postings involving some students who created inappropriate anti-Semitic symbols, and possible underage drinking,” the district said in a statement. “While these actions did not occur on any school campus or school function, we condemn all acts of anti-Semitism and hate in all their forms.”
Public officials have taken to social media to express outrage:
I am heartsick and disgusted seeing kids in our community engage in anti-Semitism. I find the casualness of their bigotry and hate particularly disturbing. This is not normal and we can’t turn a blind eye. We must do a better job educating our kids. https://t.co/qz3zKhUfbu
— Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris (@AsmCottie) March 4, 2019
I condemn this display of a hateful, anti-semitic symbol and call on parents and community leaders to redouble our efforts to educate young people about the history of violence against Jewish people worldwide. This has no place in Orange County. https://t.co/Fo8FNrwJCV
— Rep. Katie Porter (@RepKatiePorter) March 3, 2019
There is no place for hateful symbols of swastikas and nazi salutes in our community. We need to seriously address why teens in our community might think these types of hateful symbols are acceptable or funny & worthy of selfies. It’s good to see our student groups denouncing. pic.twitter.com/xr4h4fP0t2
— Mayor Katrina Foley (@KatrinaFoley) March 4, 2019
According to the LA Times, a forum is scheduled for Monday night at Newport Harbor High School to discuss the events.
