Graffiti With N-Word Found At Needham HS

NEEDHAM, MA — Needham High School Principal Aaron Sicotte has alerted the community about two incidents at the high school involving racist graffiti.

In the first incident, which took place in November, the N-word was found on a wall in a boys' bathroom in the 400 section of the school. Monday, a similar incident was reported and school officials found the N-word spelled with an "a" at the end written in a boys' bathroom in the 900 section of the high school.

Sicotte wrote that the incidents are being investigated as separate because handwriting is different.

"I want to be clear that racist slurs - or any language that demeans or degrades others - have no place in Needham High School or anywhere in the Needham Public School," Sicotte wrote.

The principal wrote that he will be in the auditorium after school Wednesday to hear from students who want to discuss the incidents or talk about how the community can ensure that Needham High School is a safe and welcoming place for all students.

"It is as a community that we combat behavior and thinking like this. It is as a community we stand up and clearly define who we are at Needham High School. I am confident that hateful language written on our walls does not represent the values of the vast majority of students or the broader Needham community. Unfortunately, these incidents are highlighting that this thinking is present in our community. But it will not define us. NHS is a caring community, and we all need to make sure our actions are demonstrating that each and every day, Sicotte wrote.

As of Tuesday night, Needham High School officials do not know who is behind the vandalism. Anyone who may have information regarding the incidents is asked to contact Sicotte or one of the assistant principals.

Image: File Photo