Racist Threats, Swastikas Spark Outrage At Manhattan Beach Schools

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — Allegations of racist threats against a student and reports of antisemitic graffiti at two Manhattan Beach schools have sparked outrage among families and students, prompting district officials to investigate and announce additional measures to combat hate on campus.

Manhattan Beach Unified School District Superintendent Kimberlie Linz confirmed in a statement to Patch that administrators are investigating reports of racist threats and anti-Black language directed at a Mira Costa High School student.

The allegations, alongside reports of swastikas discovered at Mira Costa and Manhattan Beach Middle School, drew an overflow crowd to the district's Nov. 4 school board meeting, where students and families demanded stronger action.

"Anti-Black racism, hate speech, threats, and intimidation have absolutely no place in MBUSD," Linz said. "Mira Costa and District administrators responded to the reports promptly, and we continue to investigate as additional information comes forward, using our established investigative and disciplinary procedures and protocols."

According to MB News, a swastika and other hateful graffiti were discovered in a boys' bathroom at Manhattan Beach Middle School, while another swastika was found carved into a trash can at Mira Costa. The outlet also reported allegations that a Mira Costa student made violent anti-Black threats against another student while claiming membership in the Ku Klux Klan.

Although the district has confirmed investigating reports of racist threats, it has not independently verified the specific allegations involving the KKK or disclosed whether disciplinary action has been taken.

Students Question District's Response

The allegations prompted pointed questions at the Nov. 4 meeting about whether the district's disciplinary procedures adequately protect students from racially motivated threats. One student speaker questioned what consequences should follow a threat to kill another student, challenging suggestions that a two-day suspension would be sufficient, according to MB News.

The speaker also rejected the idea that a student's age or claims that a threat was intended as a joke should diminish its seriousness. Linz acknowledged the distress the allegations have caused, particularly among Black students and their families.

"No student should come to school feeling targeted or unsafe, and we recognize the fear and frustration these incidents have caused, particularly for our Black students and their families," she said.

Linz said student privacy laws prevent the district from discussing individual students, allegations against them or disciplinary decisions. Patch contacted the Manhattan Beach Police Department to determine whether the recent incidents had been reported to law enforcement or were under criminal investigation. The department had not responded as of Tuesday afternoon.

District Promises Changes Amid History Of Hate Incidents

Linz said the latest allegations, together with other recent hate-related incidents, underscored the need for a broader response.

"These incidents, together with other recent hate-related incidents in our schools, are more than isolated events; they are a call to action," she said.

The district plans to establish a Superintendent's Advisory Committee with significant student representation to strengthen its approach to preventing and responding to racism, hate and bias.

Other measures include staff training, student-led discussions and a review of existing reporting and response procedures. Linz did not specify when the committee would be established or when the additional measures would take effect.

The controversy follows earlier incidents of antisemitic graffiti at Mira Costa.

In a May 18 district newsletter, officials reported that swastikas had been discovered in a boys' restroom on April 30 and again on May 8. Administrators filed a police report following the second discovery. The district subsequently announced in its June 8 newsletter that the individual responsible had been identified and disciplined following an investigation by school administrators and security personnel.

Those earlier incidents are separate from the allegations discussed at the November board meeting.

The district has confronted similar concerns before. In October 2022, its Board of Trustees adopted a resolution condemning antisemitism, part of a broader effort to address discrimination and hate-related incidents in Manhattan Beach schools.

Linz said the latest response would require cooperation among students, families, employees and community organizations.

"Every student deserves to feel safe, respected, and valued in MBUSD, and we are committed to showing that through action, not just words," she said.