Hitler Quote Attributed to George Floyd by Student in High School Yearbook
A high school yearbook is being recalled after it emerged a student used a quote from Adolf Hitler and falsely attributed it to George Floyd.
Nancy Bean, principal of Glastonbury High School in Connecticut, wrote in a letter to parents and guardians that a student used a false name and submitted the quote from the Nazi leader but said it was from the Black man who was murdered by former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin last May.
"It is a quite special secret pleasure how the people around us fail to realize what is really happening to them," the quote said, via the Hartford Courant.
The school has now suspended yearbook distribution and asked those who have their yearbooks to return them.
Bean, who did not describe the quote or name the student involved, also confirmed that police have been called to investigate the incident
"A disturbing incident came to our attention today. An inappropriate quote was submitted by a student using a false name and was published in this year's yearbook," Bean wrote, via Fox 61.
"Going forward, we will review the process used for students to submit quotes for the yearbook.
"We are saddened and distressed by what happened. Acts of bias, bullying, and cruelty are not acceptable at our school. We are committed to ensuring all Glastonbury High School students feel safe and supported."
The school has been condemned over the incident by the local community.
In a statement on Facebook, a group called "Black in Glastonbury" described the Hitler quote appearing in the yearbook as "horrible and yet not at all shocking."
"Every time an incident involving racism, transphobia, misogyny, or antisemtism happens in Glastonbury, school leadership responds as if it were an isolated incident instead of a systemic issue. And each time an issue like this comes to light it becomes more clear that these incidents are not happening in a vacuum.
"Glastonbury needs to wake up, call white supremacy by its name, and start taking justice seriously," the group added.
David Waren, president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford, told WTNH that the antisemitic incident has "particular pain" for many in the community but could be a moment to learn from.
"They certainly underscore the importance of anti-bias education and Holocaust education," Waren said. "This is an opportune moment for the school to re-double their effort in this regard."
"Whenever an incident of bigotry or bias occurs, it's important for the institution to respond but also for good people to stand up and speak out," Waren added.
"Particularly, people who are outside of the targeted community."
Glastonbury Police have been contacted for comment.
