Hate Graffiti Found, Condemned In Natick: Officials

NATICK, MA — The town says it's responding to acts of racism over the weekend, and that they have no place in Natick.

Hateful written language and symbols, including a swastika and an anti-Black racial slur, were found on the exterior of Lilja Elementary School, at 41 Bacon St., town officials said Monday afternoon.

Police are investigating the incident at the public school, which teaches over 400 students in grades K-4, off Center Street (MA Route 135).

No further details were available.

The school is named in honor of the Lilja brothers, a local family, four of whom served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II and one in the Korean Conflict. Two died in combat.

The Natick Police Department, the school district and the town joined in a statement saying they “unequivocally condemn this act.”

“Antisemitism, racism and hate have no place in Natick. We recognize the harm that incidents like this cause for students, families, staff and all members of our community and we do not minimize it.

“We are committed to identifying those responsible and ensuring accountability.”

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