Racist Graffiti Found In Malden High School

MALDEN, MA — Racists graffiti depicting a swastika was found inside an elevator at Malden High School, superintendent John Oteri announced Monday.

A joint investigation with the Malden Police Department is underway. If and when police are able to find out who drew the swastika in the elevator, that person will be disciplined under the school handbook as well as state law, Oteri said in a statement.

The school was open all weekend, so Oteri said the hateful graffiti was not necessarily from a student.

Oteri's full statement can be found below:

I am deeply saddened to inform you that today, graffiti depicting a swastika was found etched in an elevator at Malden High School. An investigation was immediately initiated with our police department and we are assisting them in anyway we can on this heinous act. As soon as the investigation is concluded and we can identify the person(s) responsible, we will follow up with disciplinary consequences as set out in the Malden High School Handbook as well as within the laws of Massachusetts. The high school was in full use over the weekend, so it is not necessarily a MHS student who perpetrated these actions.

Nevertheless, the fact that a swastika at Malden High is far beyond disappointing. It is extremely troubling and highly inconsistent with the inclusive culture that we are committed to at Malden High School where there is absolutely no place for hate. While we await for the outcome of the investigation, we have begun our work with the Anti-Defamation League's "World of Differencce" program and continue to incorporate curriculum and discussions to promote a learning environment in which human differences are respected and valued.

Again, please know that we are deeply committed to the goals that all students are safe, and that all students develop empathy and respect for others. I will keep you updated on our progress.

Photo by Mike Carraggi