The headmaster of Chicago’s tony Latin School will resign less than two weeks after it was revealed that students were rehearsing Nazi marching themes for the second year in a row.
Dr. Thomas Hagerman revealed his plans to leave his job in a Jan. 14 email to the Latin School community which cited health issues as the reason for his exit.
“This decision comes after a great deal of thoughtful deliberation. I have been repeatedly reminded about the importance of attending more intentionally to my health and overall sustainability,” Hagerman wrote, according to Latin School newspaper The Forum.
The surprise resignation comes two weeks after middle schoolers at the $47,000 per year private school were busted by a teacher as they planned to rehearse the German song “Erika,” which was used as a Nazi marching tune during WWII.
The same taboo tune was played by middle school students in November 2024, which was an insult to Jewish families who felt their kids’ well-being was threatened by Latin’s toxic environment.
The school said it investigated each incident.
Officials said the students involved were punished but did not detail the actions taken.
The song “Erika,” originally published in 1938, does not contain explicit references to Nazism, but was used by the Third Reich because of its rhythm.
Notable alumni at the Windy City school include Nancy Reagan and chewing gum heir William Wrigley Jr. II. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker sent his children to the elite institution.
Latin School of Chicago did not respond to a request for comment.