Active Investigation Into Westfield Hate Graffiti Continues

WESTFIELD, NJ - A series of hate-laced graffiti defacing the bathrooms at Franklin Elementary School and Edison Intermediate School is still under investigation, now with assistance of the Union County Prosecutor's Office.

The news was delivered in a joint statement sent out by the Westfield Board of Education and the Town Council Monday night.

Related Stories:

• Swastika Found In Westfield Elementary School Bathroom
• Westfield BOE Addresses 'Unacceptable' Swastika Symbol
• Hate Graffiti Found In Westfield School Again

The full statement is follows:

"As members of the Town Council and the Board of Education, and more importantly as residents of Westfield and parents of children in the Westfield schools, we are deeply disturbed by the recent acts of hate appearing in our schools and elsewhere in surrounding communities.

We would like to reiterate our joint commitment in condemning all acts of racism, anti-Semitism, bigotry, and expressions of hatred targeting any minority group, religion, or ideology. Hate has absolutely no place in our schools or in our community at large, and will not be tolerated. We will continue to involve law enforcement when appropriate and take necessary legal and/or disciplinary actions as warranted.

We would like to assure everyone that the Westfield Police Department takes these incidents very seriously and, in this most recent case, is working in partnership with the Union County Prosecutor’s Office. As such, we are unable to provide additional details regarding an active investigation."

The statement stands as the only update offered since the initial incidents.

Westfield is not the only school district in Union County dealing with disturbing graffiti. In October, racist and anti-Semitic graffiti was found outside of Scotch Plans-Fanwood High School. In Summit, swastikas were found on a bathroom hall in Lawton C. Johnson Middle School immediately before the extended Thanksgiving weekend and additional "offensive drawings" were also found at Summit High School as recently as Monday.

Related Stories:

• Swastikas Found In Summit Middle School
• Investigation Into Summit Schools Swastika Graffiti Continues
• Swastikas Found In Summit High School
• Summit Mayor: Fight Against Hate At Interfaith Menorah Lighting
• Summit Declares 'No Home For Hate' At Menorah Lighting
• More Hate Symbols Found At Summit High School

In Summit, there has been swift, repeated, public condemnation from public and school officials as well as special programming within the district and a community rally to speak out against hate.

(Photo courtesy of Google Earth)

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