An investigation has been launched into who left racist writing recently in a bathroom stall at Natick High School in Natick, Massachusetts.
According to Brian Harrigan, the school principal, the writing stated that two Asian teachers should be deported.
"That's not the Natick High School I know," said Harrigan.
The writing was discovered in the women's restroom by a junior student, who took a photo and then erased the words from the wall. The student then reported it to the school's administration.
In a letter sent out to parents this week, Harrigan said the writing marginalized students and made many feel unsafe.
"It's been a tough couple days," Harrigan said. "I do think this is one individual in a school of 1,550 students and its values that we are all just shocked to see and certainly not support in any way."
Since Monday, the school has held meetings in each classroom to give students a safe place to have a conversation about what was written. Just this year, the high school established a Celebrate Diversity and Inclusion Committee, which has been working this week to come up with a new mission statement for the school.
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"We are going to reclaim the narrative to one that is positive, proactive and supportive," explained Harrigan.
The new mission statement included the following:
- Build respect for all members of the community
- Listen to diverse perspectives with an open mind and willingness to learn
- Encourage everyone to go beyond areas of comfort and familiarity to build empathy and compassion for others
- Eradicate "isms"
- Debunk stereotypes
- Make NHS a safe and comfortable space for all
- Reduce fear around these topics to create meaningful conversations
- Care enough to comment, because silence implies acceptance or approval
- Respond to issues and events in the community
- Create opportunities for authentic experiences and interactions to change minds
