School hit with graffiti again
For the second time in less than a week, St. Catherine School has been targeted with racist graffiti spray painted on the school’s exterior walls and portables.
On Wednesday, school staff arrived to the west-end school on Glenforest Boulevard to find racist, homophobic and other profane messages. Similar vandalism was discovered Monday morning, prompting a letter to be sent home to parents and guardians explaining what occurred.
A second letter was sent home with students on Wednesday afternoon after the second incident was discovered.
In both cases, according to acting school principal Karen Procyk, the graffiti was covered up before students arrived. By Wednesday night, the graffiti had been removed, however faint outlines or derogatory words and images could still be seen.
“We strongly condemn these actions and hope that those responsible can be identified. Police continue to investigate and have classified this vandalism as a hate bias crime,” Procyk wrote in her second letter to parents.
Procyk said the school board is looking into security measures that may be implemented to deter further vandalism from occurring.
Galen Eagle, communications manager with the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board, confirmed the board is considering a “number of security measures” but added the specifics won’t be given to the public.
“The school and the board take this matter very seriously as does Peterborough Police Service and we are committed to providing the school the support it requires,” Eagle stated by email.
Earlier this week, city police Acting Chief Tim Farquharson condemned the vandalism saying it has no place in the community.
“We know that many groups including the police service are working in their own ways to foster a more inclusive and accepting community. We are committed to continuing those efforts,” Farquharson stated.
In the first letter sent to parents on Monday, Procyk wrote the school board is committed to eliminating all forms of discrimination.
“Displays of hate such as this show how much work still needs to be done to educate students and our broader school communities about racism and discrimination as we put our commitment to equity into action,” stated Procyk.
Anyone with information about the vandalism can contact the school or city police at 705-876-1122 ext. 555 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.