Police Investigating Racist Graffiti Discovered at Danville High School

DANVILLE, CA — Police and school officials are investigating a report of race-related graffiti recently discovered in a boys’ bathroom on the Monte Vista High School campus in Danville, school officials said. A student discovered the words “whites” and “colored” written above urinals on campus. Officials reported the incident to police and removed the graffiti.

“It is unclear how many students saw this graffiti, however, pictures of it have appeared on social media,” school officials said in statement. “We are working with Danville Police to identify those individuals responsible for the graffiti. We are encouraging students to come forward with any information they might have in regards to this incident.”

Danville police officials said that if they can find someone to hold accountable, they will.

A third incident of racist graffiti in a bathroom was reported at California High School. San Ramon police and school officials are investigating the incident.

In response to the incident, officials held a schoolwide assembly and a lunch meeting in the gym on Thursday.

“Over the two events, about 100 students and staff spoke up about their concerns and the need to come together,” school officials said in a statement. “One young man very eloquently told his fellow students that we need to ensure that ‘no minority group feels minimized.’ In addition, last night over 40 parents attended a meeting to discuss the incident and their concerns.”

The district released the following statement about the incidents:

The San Ramon Valley Unified School District’s Board of Education and “District leadership take all reports of hateful speech very seriously and take immediate action to investigate,” school officials said. “Students who commit actions of hate speech and vandalism will face appropriate disciplinary action.”

These recent events have reminded us of the importance of and the need to build upon our current conversations and work in regards to race, culture and the importance of thoughtful speech in our District. At the San Ramon Valley Unified School District, we are committed to fostering an environment on our campuses where we can safely speak about the similarities and differences that make us each unique. It is important that our students understand that words matter.

To that end, we are focused on professional development for our staff, inclusive curriculum for our students and supporting all in having open and honest conversations. The goal is to support and encourage all students to become more engaged in their learning and to feel connected and included in the educational environment. We must ensure that each and every student knows that they are safe at all of our schools.

To previous incidents of race-related graffiti were reported at California High School in San Ramon in October. School officials said one student confessed to the first graffiti incident and faces disciplinary action.

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