Swastikas were reportedly found in Bridgewater-Raritan schools prompting Superintendent Robert Beers to send a community and for a fifth graders to speak up.

"Over the last two months, I have found six swastikas in the boys' bathroom. This makes me feel very sad and scared to be Jewish at this time and in this town," said the fifth grader to the Board of Education on Jan. 2. " I am glad an email was sent today to make a stand against hate but it is very late."

Beers sent out the letter on Jan. 2 on the district's mission for respect, kindness, and responsibility in the schools.

"Unfortunately, there have been recent instances of hate speech within our community, a direct contradiction to these stated values. I want to emphasize that hate speech has no place in our school, as it undermines the very fabric of a safe and nurturing learning environment. As a school community, any allegation of hate speech is investigated immediately, and police are notified if the incident rises to the level of a potential hate crime," said Beers.

Bridgewater Police Chief confirmed swastikas were found in the schools.

"I can confirm that there was a swastika(s) reported at the Bridgewater Raritan Middle School; however, this is an ongoing investigation and have no further information to report at this time," said Mitzak.

In Beers' letter he asked anyone who may encounter or become aware of any instances of hate speech to report them promptly to an administrator, teacher, or counselor.

"I encourage parents and guardians to speak to their children about this critical topic to reinforce these principles," said Beers in the letter. "I hope that we embrace our shared responsibility to create an inclusive environment that exemplifies the values of the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District."