Hate Symbols, Racial Slurs, Found In Pleasanton School Bathroom Stalls

PLEASANTON, CA —“Extensive” vandalism containing the N-word, hate symbols, and other hate-motivated statements was found covering two separate stalls in the Amador Valley High School boys bathroom on Oct. 30-31, the district confirmed.

In a letter sent to families, AVHS Principal Malcolm Norrington said that the graffiti was removed, and an investigation is underway.

“This conduct is antithetical to our values and does not reflect the Amador Valley community. I apologize to anyone who was affected by such hate-motivated behavior. We regret the harm this causes and extend our support to anyone affected,” Norrington said.

As soon as the graffiti was discovered, the affected stalls were closed and thoroughly cleaned before reopening, though the rest of the restroom remained open during that time. Norrington said that several students were interviewed who have been “honest and forthcoming.” Any student with information is encouraged to contact a trusted adult or site administrator to make a confidential report.

Any student affected by the graffiti is encouraged to contact administrators for referrals to counseling and wellness services.

In his email, Norrington also included slides that were shown during a schoolwide presentation in August about hate speech, and how to assure the school is a “safe, supportive, and inclusive community for all.”

“This is an opportunity for us all to remind ourselves of who we are as a community and the expectations and guidelines that make AVHS the premier academic institution we all love,” Norrington said.

“Amador Valley High School is a safe learning environment. We are committed to protecting students from discrimination, harassment, intimidation, bullying, and other behavior motivated by a person's hostility towards another person's real or perceived ethnicity, national origin, immigrant status, sex, gender, sexual orientation, religious belief, age, disability, or any other physical or cultural characteristic.”

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