Greeley student’s wallet stolen and license defaced

March 12, 2010

Editor’s note: The following is a reprint of a letter sent out to the Greeley community from Principal Andrew Selesnick yesterday after an “intolerable incident” at the high school.

March 11, 2010

To the Greeley Community,

Sadly, I write to describe an intolerable incident that happened in school today.

During the day, a student’s wallet was taken from a book bag that was left in the cafeteria. From that wallet, the student’s driver’s license was removed and defaced. Language that is virulently anti-Semitic, as well as language that is offensive in other ways, was scrawled on the license, which was then taped to the wall in a boys’ bathroom across from the cafeteria. 

At this time, we do not know who took the wallet, who defaced the license, or who taped it to the wall. We do know that it was on the wall for less than an hour until it was removed by a well-intentioned student who took it immediately to its owner. The administration became aware of the incident shortly thereafter and called the student’s family and the police in quick succession. The police have already been at school, have interviewed the victim, and will investigate to the full extent of their ability.

Needless to say, we are outraged that such an event could occur in our school. Sadly, both acts (the theft of the wallet and the defacing of the license) remind us that the ignorance and prejudice that exist in our world touch us even in those places where we are entitled to feel most secure. A cruel and cowardly act such as this has no place in a school. If we are able to find the perpetrator, with the help of the police, he or she will face the most serious consequences.

Of course, we must also be mindful of the victim and protective of this student’s right to be a student in our school, able to go about the daily business of learning like any and every other student. Because this incident touches one student so directly and personally, we are not going to call the students together in school. I believe that would be too difficult. I ask that if any member of the community has any knowledge of this situation, you share it directly with me. In addition, if you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask me (though please understand that my answers will be limited by the nature of an ongoing investigation and a student’s right to confidentiality).

I know that you join me in condemning such acts, wherever they might occur, and I encourage families to talk together at home about the cruelty and hurtfulness of such an incident. Lastly, I know that an act such as this is not representative of our school or of this community. We are a better place than this, and we will move forward in a way that is positive and constructive.

Sincerely,

Andrew Selesnick

Principal