Once Again, Anti-Semitic Graffiti Found at RMHS

Latest anti-Semitic vandalism was discovered Friday, reported Monday.

A release from the Town Of Reading:

Once again, anti-Semitic graffiti was found at Reading Memorial High School. A student
discovered the vandalism on Friday afternoon and reported it to school officials Monday. This most recent act of vandalism, as it was discovered on Friday, marks the sixth time in less than a month that graffiti was found at Reading Memorial High School.

Town Manager Bob LeLacheur, Deputy Police Chief David Clark and School Superintendent Dr. John Doherty continue to work together to condemn these acts and resolve them. Parents, students, and residents in general are reminded that these acts of vandalism are criminal in nature and the Police Department is working vigorously to identify the perpetrator(s).

“Every student has a right to feel safe in school. Every parent and guardian has a right to feel safe sending their children to school,” said Deputy Clark. “We will not allow anyone to erode the inclusive nature of this community or diminish the values and freedom that we protect and defend every single day.”

“Reading’s response to these hate-filled acts has been to raise our collective voices in celebration of diversity, to come together as a community and say with one voice that everyone is welcome here, no matter your religion, your race, or who you love,” said LeLacheur.

“Hate is the antithesis of everything community is about. While everyone has a right to their opinion, nobody has the right to make people, particularly children, feel unsafe. I’m proud that Reading fights ignorance with education and acceptance of all people,” Doherty added.

These acts have led town leaders, residents, and stakeholders to work together in the creation of Reading Embraces Diversity (RED), offer and attend interfaith conversations across multiple communities, a rally on the Common against anti-Semitism, and most recently, a candlelight vigil in front of the Reading Memorial High School.

The Reading Police Department encourages anyone with any information to report it to the police non-emergency line, either by calling 781-944-1212 or reporting it anonymously through the Text-a-Tip service or the Town website.