Port Washington Superintendent Condemns Hate Crime At PAL

PORT WASHINGTON, NY – Port Washington Union Free School District's Superintendent is condemning the recent hate crime that was found at the Port Washington PAL last weekend.

In a video posted to YouTube Friday, Superintendent Michael Hynes said public displays of hate are on the rise and asked the community to gather together to stop the spread of messages of hate.

"The fact that anyone broke into a club dedicated to the children of our town is bad enough," he said. "But what makes this act so incredibly atrocious is the fact a hate crime took place right in front of all our eyes."

On Sunday, Port Washington PAL executive director Rob Elkins observed the swastikas after being notified by a member of the club. The swastikas were spray painted after the clubhouse had been broken into and equipment was damaged.

On Thursday, Police Chief Robert DelMuro issued a statement clarifying his previous comments, in which he said the incident was not considered a hate crime because the damage was inside the building and passersby could not see it.

Hynes said community members should be outraged.

"There is no denying the swastika is a symbol of hate," he said. "This type of hate cannot be tolerated in Port, or anywhere else."

In his message, Hynes said the pandemic has brought out both the best and the worst in people, as community members worry about their jobs, health and the future.

"The reality is, that public displays of hate are on the rise," he said. "It doesn't matter if you are a student, an educator, a family member or business owner, we all have a role to play in combating bias and bullying as a means to stop the escalation of hate, and I implore us all to do this together, because I know we can. Let us begin this journey right now."