Anti-Black, anti-Semitic graffiti found at 3 Newmarket schools
Posted March 9, 2022 7:43 pm.
Three schools in Newmarket are the latest in a growing number of schools in recent weeks to see hateful graffiti found on the properties.
In a news release from the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center, staff said they received a letter from the York Region District School Board (YRDSB) advising “images of a swastika and the N-word were etched in bathroom stalls” were found at two high schools.
They were identified in the letter as Newmarket High School and Huron Heights Secondary School based on a follow-up notification from York Regional Police and a hand-drawn swastika on a door at an elementary school, Glen Cedar Public School.
“We are saddened to once again hear of more hateful graffiti found at schools, this time in Newmarket,” Michael Levitt, the president and CEO of the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center, wrote on Wednesday.
“These growing incidences of hate create a toxic environment for all students and staff and must be addressed with the highest priority by education leaders.”
RELATED: Surveillance images of suspect wanted after anti-Semitic graffiti found at Toronto school
Levitt called on the YRDSB to bring additional anti-Semitism and anti-racism educational initiatives to all students while “identifying and holding accountable those who carried out these hateful acts.”
CityNews contacted the YRDSB to ask about the graffiti and the letter. A spokesperson said anti-Semitic, anti-Black and homophobic graffiti was discovered at the schools during the first two weeks of March.
The spokesperson said York Regional Police were contacted immediately, and the graffiti was removed. They added the board’s inclusive school and community services office “will take additional steps in the community,” saying staff are “explicitly committed to championing equity and inclusivity.”
The incidents came after several similar incidents were discovered at Toronto District School Board (TDSB) facilities in recent weeks.
Toronto’s police chief acknowledged an investigation is underway after a historic church was desecrated with anti-Semitic and homophobic graffiti last week.
With files from Michelle Mackey of CityNews
