Schools

First Selectman Issues Statement On Swastikas Found At Staples HS

"On behalf of the Town of Westport, we denounce the despicable antisemitic vandalism that was discovered last night at Staples High School."

(Image via Shutterstock)

WESTPORT, CT — Swastikas and other antisemitic images were discovered scrawled at Staples High School on Thursday, prompting a statement of denouncement from local leaders.

The vulgar images were cleaned from locations at the school by Friday, and an investigation has been launched to discover the culprit(s), writes the Westport News.

Patch reached out to Interim Superintendent David Abbey for comment but did not immediately receive a reply. Abbey notified parents of the incident via email.

Find out what's happening in Westportwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Last week's incident in Westport was not the only instance of vulgar imagery found at a Fairfield County school.

In a separate incident in Darien last week, three Swastikas were found scrawled at Middlesex Middle School, which also prompted a swift response from that school.

Find out what's happening in Westportwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Below is the statement from Westport First Selectman Jim Marpe, Selectwomen Melissa Kane and Jennifer Tooker, and local state leaders denouncing the act:

On behalf of the Town of Westport, we denounce the despicable antisemitic vandalism that was discovered last night at Staples High School. Hatred, bias and terror have no place in Westport or any community.

We are grateful that the leadership of the Westport School District and Staples High School administration are handling this situation with sensitivity, and in full collaboration with our police force and the Anti-Defamation League. We will continue to work in partnership with the ADL to address the deeper problems that result in these incidents.

Westport is a community long known for tolerance and respect. We are committed to re-doubling our efforts to teach our children and ourselves the importance of fighting bigotry and intolerance, and we will not be deterred from our continued vision that all are welcome and valued in our community.

Jim Marpe, First Selectman

Jennifer Tooker, Selectwoman

Melissa Kane, Selectwoman

Senator Tony Hwang

Senator Will Haskell

Representative Gail Lavielle

Representative Jonathan Steinberg


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