HCST investigation concluded that the white supremacist Nazi hate symbol on plain display in the 2020 HTHS yearbook has no negative connotation. HCST will not do anything to fix or replace the page. Graduates will forever have a yearbook that symbolizes complicit denial of hate by the adults charged to educate them. Judge for yourself:

July 3, 2020

Dear Concerned HCST Community:

The Hudson County Schools of Technology appreciates the time and efforts of our community members for being advocates in maintaining a positive school culture. The extremely unfortunate events surrounding the content within the High Tech High School (HTHS) Class of 2020 Yearbook has brought serious concerns to the district’s attention. We intend to use these challenges as learning opportunities - to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to support members within our community.

There is misinformation circulating on social media regarding this matter, which is damaging to the HCST community and beyond. The HCST Administration communicated with concerned individuals and acted immediately through a Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB) investigation with the best interest of the students, school and the community at-large. 

After a thorough investigation led by the HCST’s HIB Coordinator, it has been concluded that the student who wrote the number '88' in the High Tech High School yearbook had no ill-intentions or knowledge of the negative connotation associated with that number. The student was referring to a park in the municipality in which the student resides; disrespect wasn’t the intention. This finding has been reviewed by the school district's legal counsel and presented to the Board of Education, and at this point the investigation is considered closed. 

We take the concerns of our community members’ seriously. While we believe the evidence and testimony in this case shows it to be an extremely unfortunate matter and not a malicious act; as a school district we nevertheless recognize that this situation has been offensive and hurtful to members of our community. 

We are exploring ways to bring our community together and exhibit that we absolutely do not condone any instances of bias, hate, discrimination or unequal treatment of anyone. As a school district, this is a teachable moment on every level. 

We will continue to fulfill our mission of inspiring creative, independent thinking through diverse learning opportunities. In order for our district to move forward cohesively, we acknowledge the need to: 

• redefine a clear yearbook committee approval process; 
• maintain consistent, factual communication within our community; and
• provide additional learning opportunities for our students and staff with specific cultural awareness and sensitivity training built into our school year. 

More information about these plans will be released before the start of the upcoming school year. 

To provide a recourse for any student who no longer wishes to possess this year’s edition of the HTHS yearbook, a full refund of the purchase price will be available to any student interested in returning it. 

Sincerely, 

Amy Lin-Rodriguez, Superintendent