The Baraboo police department announced Thursday they are looking into threats made against members of the community after a widely-shared photo arose on social media earlier this week featuring Baraboo High School students giving what appears to be a Nazi salute.
Threats were made through email and phone calls against several members of the Baraboo community, according to police chief Mark Schauf. Baraboo police are also investigating the photo to determine whether it violated any civil or criminal law.
The Baraboo School District Board of Education and District Administrator Lori Mueller addressed the photo in a letter sent to parents Wednesday.
“Hate has no home in Baraboo. Regardless of the details of the photo or the intentions in the hearts of those involved, the truth is this is an image that has rightly been described as hateful, frightening and disappointing,” the letter said. “We are so very sorry that the actions of some of our students so understandably and deeply hurt people around the world.”
Mueller said it was too early in the district’s investigation to release any details, but pledged to keep people updated.
The photo has generated huge amounts of international criticism — more than 10,000 people signed a petition to have the students suspended from school.
“I think they’re just stupid. They’re just a bunch of idiots,” Gov. Scott Walker said Thursday. “Some are trying to brush it off as youthful indiscretion but still, they’re idiots.”
