(JTA) — At least 14 male students at a Boston-area high school are accused of spraying a swastika and anti-gay slurs on the school building.
The vandalism, using the spray from fire extinguishers at Arlington High School, occurred a week ago and was removed before school started for the day, the Boston CBS affiliate reported. The vandals also allegedly shattered the glass of vending machines, display cases and of the fire extinguishers.
“These actions represent a terrible breach of the peace and harmony we seek to instill as a welcoming, tolerant, and safe community,” said Arlington schools superintendent Kathleen Bodie in astatement. “Whether these students intended to or not, their words and actions are hateful and hurtful, and we must respond appropriately.”
The school district and police department are consulting with the Arlington Human Rights Commission, the Anti-Defamation League, and the Arlington LGBTQIA+ Rainbow Commission to “determine the best possible response,” the statement also said.
In February, two swastikas were found at an Arlington middle school.
