School responds to Nazi flag incident

An investigation continues as of Monday at Aurora Public Schools regarding an incident which occurred Thursday involving two students holding a Nazi flag in the locker room at the middle school.
Supt. Jody Phillips said administrators met with all high school students Monday morning, advising them of the serious nature of the incident.
“We met with each of the four classes to discuss the ramifications of it and how we’re going to move forward with it,” Phillips said. “We have taken some action as far as addressing it, making sure people are aware and know that we are taking care of it and proceeding accordingly.”
Phillips did not divulge the discipline handed down to the students involved, but did say based on the district’s code of conduct they could face anything from suspension to expulsion.
“We obviously know the students involved in the photo, but we are working to figure out any other students that would have been around when the photo was taken,” Phillips said Monday. “We are also working in conjunction and cooperation with the Aurora Police Department, just to see if there is any information that they have.”
Aurora Police Chief Paul Graham reported Monday that  his department looked into it, concluding that “there is nothing criminal for us to investigate.”
The flag photo drew public attention over the weekend, prompting Phillips to post a statement to various social media platforms explaining the circumstances.
“Late Thursday evening, April 3, 2025, the Aurora High School administration was made aware of a photo containing two individuals holding a Nazi flag in the locker room of the school. This photo was posted to Instagram and later spread to other social media outlets.  As soon as administration was made aware, they contacted local law enforcement and began an investigation of the photo and post. The investigation included contact with the individuals involved with the photo, including those in the picture, who took the photo, and those involved in sharing the photo.” Although the social media page where this picture was posted contained the Aurora Huskies logo, Phillips said it is not owned or affiliated with Aurora High School or the Aurora Public Schools.  
“The Aurora Public Schools acknowledges this photo is extremely inappropriate and unacceptable,” Phillips said. “The photo depicts a symbol of hate and offensiveness that the Aurora Public Schools does not condone. It sheds a negative light on our school, school district, and community. This act, and the message it sends, is not tolerated in our school and we will take all means necessary to address this issue.”
Phillips asked that anyone with information regarding the photo, post, or the owner of the Instagram page, please contact the Aurora High School administration.  
“On behalf of the staff, students, and school community, I greatly apologize for the actions of those involved and the negative message this act sends,” he concluded. “Our school and school district will work to hold those responsible for this act accountable and continue to educate our students on acceptance, tolerance, hate, and digital citizenship.”