Enloe leaders identify person who made anti-Semitic remarks over school intercom system, send apology to families

Leaders with Enloe Magnet High School and the Wake County Public School System say they have identified the person responsible for making anti-Semitic remarks over the school’s intercom system, but have not said whether that person was a student, school staffer or someone from the outside.

Enloe Magnet High School Principal Jackie Jordan said, “Appropriate disciplinary action is being taken.” She did not specify what that might be.

The anti-Semitic comments were made on Thursday, according to letters Jordan sent to families.

“First and foremost, I would like to reiterate that any remarks or acts that express anti-Semitism or violence will never be tolerated at Enloe,” Jordan wrote in Friday’s letter.

According to students who talked to WRAL News, someone yelled, “Heil Hitler,” among other statements over the school public address system on Thursday.

Jordan said the intercom system was hacked.

Students told WRAL News that it is possible to call into the intercom system using a code. Also, students told WRAL News that the word around the school is that a student may have made the comments.

"It's despicable, right?" said Enloe Magnet High School student Elliott Sprague. "Like, this is not something that should be said in any environment, let alone a high school.

" ... It feels like a prank, but it's very far. Like, way too far."

Brian Rhoades is a parent with a child at the school.

"There really isn’t that much that he has ever seen that would indicate that that's kind of a prevalent thought in the school," Rhoades said.

The words can still hurt though, Rabbi Eric Solomon said.

“It is extraordinarily painful and upsetting, and it means we have work to do even in our own house here, in our own county to educate our students and families and everyone about, not only how evil Hitler was, but how we need to stand up against hate in all its forms," Soloman said.

Jordan said she addressed students on Friday morning in a school-wide announcement to offer an apology to everyone who heard the offensive comments.

“I also am sharing in our weekly announcement to families that students will have the opportunity to attend Restorative Circles on Monday during lunch led by staff members who are circle-trained,” Jordan wrote. “This will allow students to share how this has affected them and how we can continue to support them. Counselors will also be on hand to offer additional support.”

Jordan also said the school will work closely with the Office of Equity Affairs to strengthen how students and staff talk about and address issues of diversity and inclusion in a “sensitive and respectful manner.”

“I and WCPSS District Leadership offer our sincerest apology for not having been more transparent in the remarks heard over the intercom, and for not being more precise and sensitive in describing to you these very significant details,” Jordan wrote.