Prankster Adds Racial Slur To Campo YMCA Marquee

VALRICO, FL -- An event intended to bond mothers and sons was tarnished when a prankster added a racial slur to the Campo Family YMCA marquee some time during the night Saturday or Sunday, Aug. 18-19.

The slur was added to an announcement about the YMCA's Sept. 8 mother-son Nerf and Ninja night.

Bloomingdale residents who contacted Patch said they were horrified that someone in the community would alter the message with such an offensive word.

YMCA spokeswoman Lalita Llerena said employees at the YMCA at 3414 Culbreath Road, Valrico, were equally disturbed and promptly called the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, which promised to increase patrols. Unfortunately, the YMCA's surveillance video didn't capture images of the person who defaced the marquee.

"The Tampa YMCA is appalled by the horrific act of vandalism that took place on the Campo Family YMCA’s marquee sign," said Llerena in a statement. "We take such matters seriously and contacted the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office to investigate the vandalism. We are deeply sorry anyone in the community had to see such vial, offensive language. That’s not what the Y stands for. The Tampa Y values and respects the diversity amongst our members, volunteers, staff and guests and is inclusive through our acceptance of all."

Image via Facebook

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