MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif. — Images of racist and antisemitic graffiti were discovered on the grounds of Meadows Elementary School in Manhattan Beach early Thursday morning.
The Manhattan Beach School District said the graffiti, which included a swastika symbol and the N-word spray painted on the ground, was cleaned up the same day.
The district told Spectrum News that “we will not tolerate any form of hatred and we are taking this incident very seriously.”
The vandalism shocked and disappointed Justin Verbiest, co-founder of Culture Club South Bay, which works to promote diversity and inclusion.
“Living down the street and seeing this, it’s just really freaky, and the imagery is so terrifying and it’s so hateful,” said Verbiest.
Community leader Rabbi Yossi Mintz with the Jewish Community Center believes the hateful act was committed by a handful of people.
“There’ are a few bad apples and they are getting away with it and they are really tarnishing the beauty, the gem of our community,” he said.
The Manhattan Beach Police Department is investigating the incident and encourages anyone with information to contact them at 310-802-5171.
Victims of hate incidents can also seek support through LA vs. Hate, which bills itself as a community-centered creative campaign to encourage and support all residents of Los Angeles County to unite against, report and resist hate. It can be reached by calling 211.
More information about LA vs. Hate is available on its website, www.lavshate.org.