Swastika Graffiti Found on School in London Under Investigation
Media Statement
Toronto (August 21, 2018) - Just days after hate-motivated graffiti was discovered in Mississauga, a swastika was found spray painted on a school in London, Ontario over the weekend. London police were notified of the incident by the Thames Valley District School Board and are in the process of investigating.
Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) has reached out to the school board offering educational programs and to London Police Service, who confirmed today that the swastika graffiti is being treated as a hate crime.
"Schools are unfortunately a common target for hateful graffiti, as we've witnessed just this past week. The school board took the right steps by first reporting the incident to police and then requesting the removal of the graffiti," said FSWC President and CEO Avi Benlolo.
Education Director responds to swastika graffiti found on London school
"I was deeply concerned and disappointed to learn that a swastika was recently spray painted on one of our schools. While the symbol was quickly cleaned off the wall, the incident served as a reminder that there is much more work that must be done to educate our children and the public.
The swastika is a hurtful and horrible symbol of oppression and genocide that affected millions of people, and painfully scarred generations of their families, friends and loved ones.
This incident is a reminder of how, in our free society, we must remain vigilant against the spread of hate toward others and the need to continue the work of building a truly diverse and inclusive society."
- Laura Elliott, Director of Education, Thames Valley District School Board