Authorities have launched an investigation after three students allegedly performed a Nazi salute in front of their classmates.
Education Minister and Deputy Premier Prue Car has spoke out about the alleged incident at Bonalbo Central School in the NSW Northern Rivers on Wednesday afternoon.
It’s alleged three students from the K-12 public school ‘goose-stepped in front of the secondary students and gave the ‘Sieg Heil salute’, the Daily Telegraph reported.
The trio have since been suspended as police investigate the ‘inappropriate activity’.
Youth command officers have also liaised with the school.
Ms Car described the alleged anti-Semitic behaviour as ‘completely unacceptable, and particularly so in our schools’, where all students should feel safe.
‘There is absolutely no place for bigotry, racism or anti-Semitism anywhere in NSW,’ she said.
‘Every child has the right to feel respected and safe, and instances like this are deeply concerning.’
Ms Car applauded the school for taking ‘swift action to suspend the students’.
The education department has also condemned the alleged salute as ‘unacceptable’ and confirmed ‘strong disciplinary action’ would be taken against those involved.
‘Racism and intolerance have no place in our schools,’ the spokesman said.
‘Everyone has the right to be safe and free from discrimination or harassment.’
A source close to the matter told the publication it was important word of the alleged incident spread so people know anti-Semitism isn’t ‘just a thing that’s happening in Sydney and Melbourne’.
NSW Jewish Board of Deputies President David Ossip said the alleged incident was indicative of a larger issue.
‘Something has gone terribly wrong when kids are allegedly performing Nazi salutes in schools,’ he said.
‘The kids are either ignorant of what these hateful salutes represent which would be bad enough or, worse, are engaging in the acts with knowledge and intent.’