High school is slammed after student newspaper published ‘Hitler had some good ideas’ in its overheard on campus page

A Sacramento high school newspaper faced backlash after publishing an article in its “overheard” section stating that “Hitler had some good ideas.”

CK McClatchy High School in the Land Park area has been fraught with controversy due to an article published in the spring edition of the student newspaper.

The Prospector printed an offhand comment reportedly made by a student who said, “Hitler has some good ideas” during a government class.

After one of the newspaper’s editors heard the shocking comment, it was included in the “What Did You Say” section — an article that reported “some of the weirdest things” heard on campus.

Nine of the “favorite” comments were listed, including other items such as “I would definitely get suspended if I beat up the mascot” and “I miss my ex.” I’ll probably stalk him.’

The Prospector’s website lists seniors Ivy Hawkins and Ilijah Curtin as editors

“Maybe I kissed my cousin,” “Damn, I wasted all the time taking drugs,” and “Please stop licking my armpits” were some of the other “favorite quotes” included.

Hitler’s disturbing comment was last on the list.

After receiving angry responses, the newspaper released a “response to the Spring 2024 issue controversy.”

‘The recent release of the spring issue of The Prospector has sparked controversy, and we would like to address the issue relating to a column on page 15 entitled ‘What Did You Say’, which contains anonymous quotes from students here at McClatchy. The quote in question reads: ‘Hitler has some good ideas.’

‘We would first like to emphasize that this quote does NOT reflect our ideals or beliefs; it is included to spark a conversation about the way students use their words here. The quote was included along with others deemed inappropriate for school, such as: “I miss my ex. I’ll probably stalk him.’

‘The subject of Hitler is of course very sensitive, especially given the current political climate. We understand that many are hurt and are concerned by the publication of this quote. We, as a news outlet, feel it is important to bring awareness to the fact that a student on campus felt it was okay to say that in a classroom.”

After inviting those who want to openly express their views on the issue because the newspaper wants to ‘hear your voice’ – the editors were then forced to disable Instagram comments due to ‘malicious comments’

“Unfortunately, due to individuals using the comments section to publicly shame and make malicious statements, we have decided to disable our comments section,” an Instagram post read.

The Prospector’s website lists seniors Ivy Hawkins and Ilijah Curtin as editors.

It is unclear who initially decided to include the controversial quote, which editor heard the statement uttered, and who uttered the disturbing phrase.

The newspaper’s faculty advisor, Samantha Archuleta, said that while the comment was disturbing, it was “important” for them to report it.

After receiving angry responses, the newspaper issued a ‘response to the controversy over the Spring 2024 edition’

McClatchy High principal Andrea Egan said in an autodial response to the anti-Semitic comment sent to parents and the school community on Sunday that she found the comment “alarming.” Pictured: McClatchy High School

Archuleta, writing with her student editor, Ilijah Curtin, shared The Sacramento Bee‘The discussion prior to the publication was that the students’ intention was to show all kinds of statements heard on campus, from harmless to harmful.’

The faculty advisor said the student journalists and editor above her classmate’s comment are working on a follow-up story to provide more context.

McClatchy High principal Andrea Egan said in an autodial response to the anti-Semitic comment sent to parents and the school community on Sunday that she found the comment “alarming.”

“My primary goal was and is to ensure that our campus is a safe and welcoming community for all students as we navigate the complex free speech issues associated with student publications,” she said in the message.

“I met with the journalism students early the next day to discuss my concerns, and told them the importance of using common sense in their editorial decision-making. Words have the power to do damage.”

Egan also said she would organize a meeting with representatives of a local Jewish community to strategize a response.

Brian Heap, the chief spokesperson for the Sacramento City Unified School District, released a statement saying the “highly offensive comment” was not reported to any teacher or administrator before it was published.

“Our principals are educational leaders first and in this capacity, Principal Egan felt that engaging the (journalism) classroom directly and quickly was an important and necessary educational opportunity.”

DailyMail.com has contacted The Prospector and CK McClatchy High School for comment.