Racist, Antisemitic Vandalism Found At Eastern PA High School

ROXBOROUGH, PHILADELPHIA — Racist and antisemitic vandalism was discovered at Roxborough High School over the weekend, the School District of Philadelphia said.

In a letter to the school's community sent out Sunday, Roxborough High School Principal Kristin Williams Smalley said graffiti with the hurtful words and symbols were found on the school's exterior.

Philadelphia Police said the graffiti was found on the back wall of the school, on four back doors, and on the doors of a shed at the nearby Gorgas Recreation Center.

Investigators found a red Rust-Oleum spray paint can that matched the color of the graffiti found on both locations, and an orange Nerf-style toy gun.

Police are joined by the School District of Philadelphia’s Office of School Safety in the investigation.

"We are deeply disappointed by these actions," Smalley said. "As a school and District, we are fully committed to creating welcoming and inclusive environments for every student and staff member. Acts of discrimination, hate speech, and harassment are unacceptable whether by, or against, students and staff. The District takes all complaints of bullying, harassment and discrimination seriously, including allegations of Antisemitism, Islamophobia, or racist speech will take appropriate action to investigate allegations and prioritize the well-being of all students and staff."

Smalley said in response to the vandalism, the school's community wrote messages of love, inclusion and belonging on the sidewalks at the school entrance. Additionally, school leaders, police, and State Rep. Tarik Khan (D-194th district) welcomed students Monday.

"Let me be clear: targeting students in the middle of the night is cowardice, and it does not define us," Khan said on social media. "Our community is bigger than a racist, and one who cannot even spell at that."

Khan thanked school employees workers from the school, the district, and Philadelphia Police detectives for their responses to the vandalism. Officials said the graffiti was removed Sunday.

Smalley reminded that anyone — whether a victim or not and including students, parents/guardians and employees — can submit a report alleging bullying, harassment or discrimination and this includes students, parents/guardians and employees.

Below are details on how to report instances of bullying, harassment, and discrimination in the Philadelphia :

1. Completing the Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination Reporting Form online here.
2. Calling the Bullying/Harassment hotline at 215-400-SAFE.
3. Submitting an online complaint via Safe2Say (1-844-723-2729), a youth violence prevention program run by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. You can speak with someone there 24/7 via phone or live chat.
4. Emailing the Compliance Officer/Title IX Coordinator directly at antiharassment@philasd.org.
5. Emailing the Office of Employee and Labor Relations directly at employeetitleixcomplaints@philasd.org.
6. Reporting the incident to the principal or to any other member of the school staff, including teachers, guidance counselors, coaches, and administrators.

Anyone who has information on the vandalism should contact Philadelphia Police at 215-686-8477.