More Racist Graffiti, Hate Symbols Found At Amador Valley High

PLEASANTON, CA — More racist graffiti was found in Amador Valley High School bathrooms on Dec. 2, the Pleasanton Unified School District confirmed. This marks the third such incident this year.

On the morning of Dec. 2, staff found the N-word, a swastika, and a personal attack on the school’s principal and vice principal in the girl’s restroom, AVHS Principal Malcolm Norrington told families. Similar graffiti was discovered in the boys’ bathroom over two consecutive days just before Halloween.

“I am deeply disturbed by this conduct. It violates our values and harms members of our community. At the same time, students who engage in hate-motivated behavior are scared, misinformed, confused, and a Don,” Norrington said in his message. “They will be held accountable, and they also need guidance, education, and support to repair harm and learn, and we will provide the support.”

The school closed the bathroom and removed all the graffiti, Norrington said. Restrooms are now supervised on a scheduled rotation approximately every 15 minutes, and checks for graffiti are incorporated into the routine, district spokesperson Susanne Frey told Patch. In January, the school will also pilot a new hall pass system to keep better track of students, Frey said.

An investigation into the graffiti is ongoing.

Norrington said that he is collaborating with district leaders, the school administration, the Instructional Leadership Team, and classified staff members to “guide responses that address the needs of those harmed, those responsible, and the broader student body.” That includes instruction and discussion expressing antisemitism, racism, and respectful discourse.

Staff are receiving additional training on identifying and responding to hate-motivated behavior, while additional classroom presentations are scheduled for January to deepen student understanding of the impact of hate speech and campus standards of conduct, Frey said. Students have also created a video message addressing the incident that will be shared with the full student body.

“This incident has strengthened our resolve. Nothing will deter us from improving our culture and ensuring that every student and staff member knows they are seen, valued, and supported,” Norrington said.

The incident shortly before an Instagram photo showed eight students of Branham High School in San Jose forming a human swastika, alongside a quote from Adolf Hitler in the description. Branham High School Principal Beth Silbergeld said the school is working with local police and local Jewish groups “to ensure that we receive appropriate support and guidance as we work to repair the harm that’s been done to our community.”

SEE ALSO:

• Hate Symbols, Racial Slurs, Found In Pleasanton School Bathroom Stalls
  
• CA Students Form Human Swastika On Football Field, Post Hitler Quote: Reports