East Brook Middle School in Paramus, New Jersey, is investigating how a baby picture of Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler ended up in its 2024 yearbook. The black-and-white 1889 photograph of Hitler as an infant appeared alongside baby photos of graduating students.
Yearbook Recall and Corrected Copies
The school district recalled all yearbooks after the image was discovered. Corrected copies with the Hitler photo removed will be distributed to students. Principal Ryan Aupperlee sent a letter to parents stating that the image “has no place in a yearbook created for our students. It does not reflect who we are or what East Brook stands for, and we condemn its inclusion without reservation.”
Investigation Launched
“The presence of this image is unacceptable,” Aupperlee wrote. “Even if the image was not immediately recognizable to those paging through the book, its inclusion in an official school publication is a severe breach of our values.” The school district has launched an investigation into how the photo was included.
Community Response
Paramus Mayor Chris DiPiazza addressed the incident on Facebook, saying, “I am aware of the unfortunate incident, involving the year book, at East Brook Middle School yesterday and have been in communication with both the Superintendent of Schools and Chief of Police. Our borough’s strength has always been because we are a town welcoming to all faiths and home to numerous houses of worship. Any examples, like yesterday’s, does not reflect Paramus.”
