Elite Chicago middle school embroiled in Nazi-music controversy for second time
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The prestigious Latin School of Chicago is once again confronting an antisemitism issue, this time involving middle school students who were reportedly learning a marching song linked to the Nazis, according to information obtained by The Post.

Students at this exclusive Chicago private school—attended by the children of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, with middle school tuition exceeding $47,000—had been practicing “Erika,” a German marching tune that became associated with the Third Reich during World War II, as revealed in a letter sent to parents by the school.


Students in masks walking past the Latin School of Chicago building.
Students change classes at Latin School of Chicago on Oct 8, 2020, in Chicago.  TNS

The situation came to light when a teacher overheard two students discussing their practice of the controversial song, prompting the school to initiate an internal investigation, according to the letter.

This is not the first time the song has caused a stir at the school. In November 2024, members of the middle school band performed “Erika,” causing distress among Jewish families who already felt vulnerable within the school’s reportedly challenging environment. The consequences for those involved in that incident remain unclear.

While the song’s lyrics, first published in 1938, do not directly reference Nazism, its military marching rhythm was emblematic of the period and its use by Nazi forces during the war.

“Latin does not tolerate antisemitism or any other form of hate. In addition to undertaking disciplinary action, Latin has and will continue to offer support to any students affected by this incident,” the letter from Head of School Thomas Hagerman and Interim MS Division Director Kathleen Meade read.

“Although we are deeply disappointed by this incident, we hope that it serves as an important reminder of our shared responsibility to continue nurturing our School’s strong sense of inclusion and belonging, and to ensure that every member of our community feels safe, valued, and respected,” the statement read.

Whether punishment was doled out was not immediately clear.


Crowds giving the Nazi salute as soldiers march past in Nuremberg, 1937.
Nazis marching at Nuremberg in 1937. SSPL via Getty Images

Back in 2022, the school faced a $100 million lawsuit from the parents of Nate Bronstein, 15, who was allegedly bullied at the school so severely that he committed suicide. The lawsuit was tossed out in March 2025.

Latin School of Chicago boasts some notable alumni, including Nancy Reagan and chewing gum heir William Wrigley Jr. II.

The school did not respond to The Post’s request for comment.

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