Police Investigate Racist, Pro-Trump Message Scrawled in Maple Grove High School Bathroom

Maple Grove police detectives are seeking information after receiving a report of a racist message written in a Maple Grove Senior High school bathroom. The message was written during the school day on Nov. 9, according to a news release.

Maple Grove Senior High School leaders immediately launched an investigation into the incident and are working collaboratively with the Maple Grove Police Department.

A photo allegedly showing the racist message went viral Wednesday 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 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. Authorities say that Independent School District 279 and the Maple Grove Police Department have a long standing relationship to address public safety and service needs.

This is an active investigation. Police ask that residents have patience as they "work through this challenging process."

Maple Grove Senior High principal Bart Becker wrote the following letter 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.

Image via Shutterstock