Maple Grove Student Who Vandalized Bathroom with Racist Graffiti Disciplined

School officials have identified the student they say was responsible for writing racist and offensive messages in a Maple Grove Senior High bathroom. In a letter to parents, Osseo School District Superintendent Kate Maguire wrote that the individual received "appropriate disciplinary action, according to school board policy."

Maguire said the school is required by law to protect the privacy of the student, but said that the investigation into the incident "was one of the most comprehensive and exhaustive investigations Maple Grove Senior High staff has ever conducted."

The school district has collaborated with the Maple Grove Police Department on this incident, which
remains under separate investigation by police, according to Maguire.

The racist message was written during the school day on Wednesday, Nov. 9.

A photo showing the racist message went viral that evening after it was uploaded to Facebook by a parent of a Maple Grove Senior High student. The photo showed a pro-Donald Trump message that included racist and vulgar language.

"This is the message that welcomed my son today at Maple Grove Senior High," wrote parent Fred Ndip. "He does not feel safe at his own school any more. I am not sure of what to tell him!"

The Facebook post is no longer available to view. However, images of the graffiti have been widely-shared on social media.

"This type of behavior is highly offensive, will not be tolerated and does not reflect the views of the Maple Grove community," police said in a statement.

Maple Grove Senior High principal Bart Becker wrote the following letter to parents addressing the incident:

I’m writing to share with you a serious and disturbing racial incident that occurred at our school today. Earlier today, we received a report of a racist message that was written in one of our school restrooms. I am horrified by this action, which goes against everything for which our school stands; it is completely contrary to our core values, both as a school and as a district.

We immediately launched an investigation into this incident, and we will take swift and appropriate action based on the investigation findings. We will work very hard to identify who did this horrible act and determine how we can support the students and staff who have been affected by it.

A safe and healthy learning environment is an essential characteristic of effective schools, and every day at Maple Grove Senior High we seek to provide a safe and respectful learning and working environment for every student and employee. Racist messages like the one found in our school endanger the safety of our students and staff of color, and create a climate that is not conducive to learning.

We are very concerned about our students, staff and families who have been affected by this incident. I want to assure every student and employee that we are committed to their safety and well-being.

This incident is additional evidence of the pressing need in our schools, our community and our nation to find ways to talk about race constructively and respectfully. Over the past several years, we have been learning and practicing language that helps us engage in these conversations when we need them most, in order to interrupt racism. I know that placing student voice at the center will be essential in our efforts to address this terrible event and to help students feel safe and secure at our school.

I want you to know that I am determined to provide a safe and respectful learning environment for all students and staff at our school. We will now work to identify additional measures we can take to support that goal.

School officials are inviting community members to participate in this year’s Community Forum on Race scheduled for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on March 11, 2017. Online registration for this free event will open Dec. 2 on the district website.

Image via Shutterstock