Police Informed Of Racial Slur Graffiti At Marshall Simonds

BURLINGTON, MA — An investigation is underway of graffiti containing a racial slur at Marshall Simonds Middle School, a school official confirmed Tuesday. The graffiti, according to a letter sent to families, was found Wednesday, Nov. 6. They did not identify the racial slur used.

"Our School Resource Officer was informed of the incident and the investigation is on-going," said Assistant Superintendent Patrick Larkin in an email.

"We have high expectations for all members of our community, including our students," the school's administrators wrote in the letter. "When any member of the community does not meet our expectations and violates our core values, there is both an opportunity and responsibility to help our students learn from the experience."

"Principal [Cari] Perchase is working with her faculty and building-based equity committee to plan the best way to address this with students," Larkin said.

The letter also encouraged families to speak to their children about vandalism and intolerance.

"Although I am saddened that this incident occurred, I am hopeful that all members of our community, especially our students, will learn important lessons about celebrating our differences and will become empowered to stand up against acts of intolerance," Perchase and the assistant principals wrote.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at chris.huffaker@patch.com and 412-265-8353.