More racist graffiti found at Reading Memorial High School

Less than a month after a student at Reading Memorial High School discovered swastikas drawn on a school bench, more racist hate speech has been found in the building, town officials said Thursday.

A student discovered racist graffiti written on a bathroom wall on Wednesday and reported it to a teacher. On Thursday morning, a teacher found similar graffiti in a stairwell, according to a statement from the town.

Town Manager Bob LeLacheur, Deputy Police Chief David Clark and School Superintendent John Doherty “ . . . jointly condemn the further acts of vandalism amounting to racist hate speech found at Reading Memorial High School this week,” according to the statement.

In a letter to the Reading Public Schools community, Doherty said the most recent hate speech targeted students of color.

A preliminary investigation indicates the graffiti was written sometime between Monday night and Tuesday night, the statement said.

“We take incidents like these extremely seriously, and our top priority is ensuring the community’s safety,” Clark said. “Our officers are actively investigating these crimes, and we intend to hold the perpetrators accountable for their actions.”

Following the discovery of swastikas at the school, the community gathered on the town common on Oct. 22 to denounce hate speech.

Another gathering to condemn hate speech and support human rights will be held on Saturday, 6 p.m. at the front entrance of the high school, according to the statement.

The school department will also host the first school-wide “town meeting” with staff and students next Wednesday during the school day.

Anyone with information about the incident are asked to contact Reading police at 781-944-1212Q or by texting the keyword “READINGPD” and a message to 847411.