Chicago Latin School Headmaster Resigns Weeks After Students Rehearsed a Nazi-Era Song

The headmaster of Chicago’s elite Latin School is stepping down less than two weeks after it was disclosed that students were caught rehearsing a Nazi-era marching song for the second consecutive year, according to school officials and published reports, as reported by The New York Post.

Dr. Thomas Hagerman, who has led the prestigious private institution, announced his resignation in a Jan. 14 email sent to the Latin School community. In the message, Hagerman cited health concerns as the reason for his departure.

The AWFULs running Latin School of Chicago’s Board would rather hire “racial literacy” coaches than protect Jewish pupils.

Hagerman’s departure from Latin isn’t about sustainability, but rather the total collapse of a school captured by DEI.https://t.co/7b8f7Jta45

— Chicago Contrarian (@ChicagoContrar1) January 19, 2026

“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 the school’s newspaper, The Forum.

The resignation follows revelations that middle school students at the $47,000-per-year private school were discovered in early December rehearsing the German song “Erika,” a tune historically associated with Nazi marching units during World War II.

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A teacher reportedly intervened after learning the students planned to practice the song.

The incident marked the second time students at the school were found engaging with the same song.

In November 2024, middle schoolers were also reported to have played “Erika,” an episode that drew complaints from Jewish families who said the incident contributed to a hostile environment and raised concerns about student safety and school culture.

School officials said both incidents were investigated internally. According to statements from the school, disciplinary action was taken against the students involved, though administrators declined to specify what punishments were imposed.

The song “Erika,” first published in 1938, does not contain explicit references to Nazism in its lyrics.

However, it became closely associated with the Third Reich because of its marching rhythm and widespread use by German military units during the Nazi era.

Its appearance in a modern school setting has made it a flashpoint, particularly given the school’s sizable Jewish community and Chicago’s history of combating antisemitism.

The Latin School of Chicago, located in the Gold Coast neighborhood, is one of the city’s most exclusive private schools and counts numerous prominent figures among its alumni.

Graduates include former First Lady Nancy Reagan and William Wrigley Jr. II, heir to the Wrigley chewing gum fortune. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker also sent his children to the institution.

In a statement following Hagerman’s announcement, the Latin School expressed appreciation for his service and extended well wishes as he prepares to leave his role.

The school also confirmed it will conduct a “national search” to find his replacement.

Administrators did not indicate whether the recent incidents involving the Nazi-era song factored into Hagerman’s decision to resign, beyond the timing of the announcement.

The school has maintained that student behavior was addressed appropriately and that steps were taken to prevent future occurrences.

Hagerman’s departure comes amid increased scrutiny of how elite educational institutions handle sensitive historical symbols and student conduct, particularly as parents and community members demand clearer accountability and transparency from school leadership.

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