Overview
- St. Joseph Catholic School’s float in Hanover displayed a replica of the Auschwitz entrance bearing the phrase “Arbeit Macht Frei.”
- Bishop Timothy C. Senior called the display profoundly offensive, apologized to the Jewish community, and said the approved design did not include that imagery.
- Head designer Galen S. Shelly said he added the arch late after a supply issue, asserted he had no ill intent, and issued a public apology.
- Metcalf Cleaning LLC, which volunteered to pull the float, said it was not involved in the design and apologized for not recognizing the imagery beforehand.
- The diocese will review approval procedures and work with the Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition and the Anti-Defamation League, while school officials and parade organizers have not explained how the altered float was allowed to march.