MERCER ISLAND, Wash. — There’s no room for hate on Mercer Island—that’s the message from city leaders after someone trespassed on school grounds and vandalized the property.
On Jan. 3, the police department shared a joint statement from leaders condemning ‘antisemitic and racist’ graffiti discovered at Islander Middle School.
“This abhorrent act of hate is not only a violation of our community’s shared values, but an attack on the principles of inclusion, respect, and safety that we work every day to uphold in our community,” the statement reads.
The department says it happened on New Year’s Eve. Officers found numerous windows and exterior walls riddled with hateful symbols and phrases.
“We are angry, disappointed, and deeply saddened by this incident. Antisemitism, hate, and racism in any form have no place in our schools, our city, or anywhere in our society,” the statement goes on to say.
Members of the school district are helping officers review security footage to try and identify the culprits.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact police. Students may use their anonymous Say Something App or the Say Something Tipline (1-844-5-SAYNOW) to report information.
Community members may call the Police Non-Emergency Dispatch line at (425) 577-5656.