A swastika was found carved into the grass outside of a middle school in Reno, Nev., and was removed on May 29, according to the Reno Gazette Journal.
Students who attend the public Billinghurst Middle School shared a photo of the antisemitic symbol on social media before Washoe County School District officials could cover it up and remove it.
Joe Ernst, superintendent of the county’s schools, also released a district-wide message, stating that officials are “investigating these acts and will apply appropriate discipline, including potential criminal violations, if applicable.”
“I want to be clear: Hate speech does not belong in our schools or our community,” Ernst wrote. “We condemn all forms of discrimination, intolerance and hate speech. Every student and staff member in our district deserves a safe, respectful and inclusive learning environment.”
“We are taking this situation very seriously here at school,” Kevin Arnold, principal of the middle school, wrote in an email to parents notifying them of the incident. “Our school and our district welcome everyone, and we condemn hate speech in all its forms.”
“We hope you will take the opportunity to discuss with your students how harmful and hateful these symbols and actions are,” he added.
Neither statement specifically mentioned antisemitism. When asked why not, a spokesperson for the Washoe County School District instead told JNS that “we’re in the very early phases of an investigation by our school police department.”
On May 22, Reno High School was vandalized, and at least one swastika and racial slur were painted on the walls and floor, the Reno Gazette Journal reported. The district said on Thursday that multiple students were suspended for the break-in and will not be allowed to participate in their graduation ceremony.
