An elite Chicago private school with a history of antisemitism is again under the microscope, following an incident in which middle-schoolers were heard practicing a German marching song linked to the Nazis.
The Latin School of Chicago, which has produced the likes of Nancy Reagan and where Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker enrolled his children, wrote to parents about the situation, which includes an internal investigation, reports the New York Post.
A teacher reportedly overheard a pair of students talking about practicing “Erika,” which, according to Maj. Gen. Michael Tillotson—a British soldier, historian and author—was the most popular marching song in Germany during World War II. The lyrics do not specifically reference Nazism or Jew-hatred.
The same song was performed by members of the middle-school band in November 2024, with the Post reporting that the severity of the incident was seemingly ignored by school administrators.
“Latin does not tolerate antisemitism or any other form of hate,” read the letter from head of school Thomas Hagerman and Kathleen Meade, interim middle-school division director, detailing the latest episode. “In addition to undertaking disciplinary action, Latin has and will continue to offer support to any students affected by this incident.”
The letter continued: “Although we are deeply disappointed by this incident, we hope that it serves as an important reminder of our shared responsibility to continue nurturing our school’s strong sense of inclusion and belonging, and to ensure that every member of our community feels safe, valued and respected.”
The parents of 15-year-old Jewish student Nate Bronstein sued the school in 2024, allegedly that severe bullying at the school, which went without consequence, led to Bronstein’s suicide.
Six of the 10 counts in the lawsuit were dismissed last March. The other four remain.
