Philadelphia police are investigating a case of racist and antisemitic vandalism at Roxborough High School that officials say occurred Saturday night.
The vandalism, containing racial epithets and a swastika, was spray-painted on the school’s exterior, according to a letter to the school community by Roxborough High School Principal Kristin Williams Smalley.
Police reported that they found the vandalism on the back wall of the school, multiple back doors and the doors of a shed at the neighboring Gorgas Recreation Center.
“We are deeply disappointed by these actions,” Williams Smalley wrote in the letter. “As a school and District, we are fully committed to creating welcoming and inclusive environments for every student and staff member. Acts of discrimination, hate speech, and harassment are unacceptable whether by, or against, students and staff.”
This incident comes months after the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia was vandalized twice within two weeks.
“Targeting students in the middle of the night is cowardice, and it does not define us,” state Rep. Tarik Khan wrote in a social media post Jan. 4. “Our community is bigger than a racist, and one who cannot even spell at that. Every student deserves to feel safe and respected when they walk into school, not have to deal with hate meant to scare and intimidate them.”
Cleaning crews worked to clear away the vandalism on Sunday, according to a video from Khan.
The school encouraged community members to write positive messages on the surrounding sidewalk in chalk. School leaders, police and Khan welcomed students back to school Monday morning.
“We’re aware of this racist and antisemitic graffiti that was painted overnight at Roxborough High School,” Anti-Defamation League Philadelphia wrote in a Facebook post. “This behavior is wrong, but we applaud the community coming together rather than to accept hate. Our office is here to provide resources and support to all.”
As of the time of publication, no suspects have been arrested, and the investigation is ongoing, according to 6abc Action News.
