MARBLEHEAD — On Monday, Oct. 6, and Tuesday, Oct. 7, Marblehead police received reports of two graffiti incidents at Marblehead High School that included a racial slur and antisemitic symbols.
According to a statement from the Marblehead Police Department, an investigation led by School Resource Officer Sean Sweeney Jr. identified a student believed to be responsible for both incidents. Police said the investigation indicates no one else was involved.
The student, a 15-year-old Marblehead resident, has been charged with:
- Vandalism to Property (two counts)
- Tagging Property
- Civil Rights Violation
“As is long-standing practice when hateful incidents in town are reported, the police department notified the Anti-Defamation League, and local community leaders to help prepare for any follow up actions as a town that may be needed,” the Marblehead Police Department said in its statement.
Police concluded there was no threat to the safety of students or staff.
“There is no place in Marblehead for hate of any kind, especially in our schools, and we are taking this incident very seriously,” said Chief King.
The student is scheduled to appear in Lynn Juvenile Court at a later date.
Okay, vandalism isn’t cool, spray painting slurs and swastikas definitely isn’t cool. Definitely a crime. But how could that be interpreted as violating another persons civil rights?