Civic Leaders Respond to Hateful Messages Scrawled on South Windsor High School

Town Councilor Dr. Saud Anwar was unequivocal in his reaction to the hate-filled messages that were scrawled on a wall of South Windsor High School last week.

“There is no room for bigotry or hatred,” Anwar said. “There is no justification … in any way shape or form to show hatred towards anyone. … This does not represent in any way, shape or form our community.”

The messages spray painted on the high school wall late Thursday evening or early Friday morning included swastikas, references to the Newtown shootings and anti-Obama statements. The messages were quickly power washed off the building before a town-wide egg hunt took place at the high school stadium starting at 10 a.m.

And while it was “extremely upsetting” for something like that to happen in South Windsor, Anwar said that how the town responds will define the community.

Specifically, Anwar said that three things need to happen: first, the individual(s) responsible for the graffiti must be identified and punished for his, her or their actions.

Second, Anwar said that groups such as the town’s human relations commission and the schools must educate the populace that hate-filled messages or bullying have no place in the community.

Finally, Anwar said that people must recognize that the actions taken by those responsible may have had impact on the general population. According to recent data, minorities comprise 30 percent of the town’s population, Anwar said.

“We need to make sure as a town to communicate that this is their town and their community, and not show hatred,” Anwar said.

Rabbi Jeff Glickman of Temple Beth Hillel seemed less upset about the content of the messages as much as the place where they were written.

“South Windsor High School represents what is finest in America,” Glickman said in a telephone interview Sunday. “[It represents] an openness and opportunity for everyone to grow. Knowledge gives our citizens wings. It ensures the greatest parts of America continue.”

The graffiti defaced the values of America, Glickman said, “regardless of what symbols are used.”

“What cowardice,” Glickman said. “People are so inconsiderate of others and so removed from what America stands for. … Their views are not views that should be amplified.”

Glickman said that instead of focusing on the messages on the building’s wall, people should focus on the high school’s achievements.

As for the person or persons responsible for the graffiti, Glickman said there are other forums to share their views.

“If you have something to say, write a letter to the Patch,” Glickman said.