Police are charging a 15-year-old male Marblehead High School student after an investigation into hateful graffiti found on school property.
On Monday, Oct. 6, and Tuesday, Oct. 7, Marblehead Police were made aware of two incidents of hateful graffiti on MHS property. Graffiti included a racial slur and antisemitic symbols, according to an MPD press release late Wednesday.
“These incidents were immediately addressed by school administrators and School Resource Officer Sean Sweeney Jr.,” the release reads. “An investigation led by Officer Sweeney Jr. identified the student believed to be responsible for both incidents. Based on the initial investigation, it does not appear that anyone else was involved. Police determined that there was no threat to the safety of staff or students.”
The student is charged with two counts of vandalism to property, tagging property and civil rights violation. He will appear in Lynn Juvenile Court at a later date, according to MPD.
Contacted by the Current today, Superintendent John Robidoux responded, “The overarching message is that hate of any kind will not be tolerated in Marblehead Public Schools. School officials will continue to collaborate with law enforcement and community partners and work to create and maintain a culture of acceptance, understanding and belonging.”
King wrote, “The cooperation between the School and Police departments makes a great difference when dealing with this type of abhorrent behavior. We could not have identified a suspect so quickly without such a strong relationship. There is no place in Marblehead for hate of any kind, especially in our schools, and we are taking this incident very seriously.”
MPD have notified the Anti-Defamation League and local community leaders to “help prepare for any follow-up actions that may be needed,” according to the press release.
