Racist graffiti on Worcester bilingual school

WORCESTER. A Worcester primary school was vandalized at the weekend.

Worcester Public Schools confirmed in a statement that a racial slur was discovered Sunday morning painted on the back Worcester Dual Language Magnet Schoolformerly Chandler Magnet School.

“We are writing to inform you of a disturbing incident that occurred at our school. On Sunday morning, racist graffiti was found on the back of our building,” Worcester Dual Language Magnet School Principal Suzanne Resendez said. letter to parents that was sent Sunday evening.

Joe Cersosimo, communications specialist for the Worcester Police Department, said the department was notified of the graffiti on Sunday morning.

“November 3^rd2024 at approximately 11:35 a.m. Worcester Police officers were dispatched to 525 Chandler St. for a report of mischief. Upon arrival, they noticed racial slurs and satanic symbols painted on the building. The Detective Bureau and the Crime Scene Unit are investigating,” Sersosimo said in a statement.

Resendez said the Worcester Community Schools Department responded to the scene and painted over the graffiti in front of the school Monday morning.

“We understand that this incident is causing concern and anxiety for our community. Worcester Dual Language Magnet School is committed to fostering a welcoming, inclusive environment where all students feel safe, valued, and supported, regardless of race, gender, identity, or cultural background. A student who is concerned about this incident is encouraged to reach out to a trusted teacher or counselor at school,” Resendez said.

Worcester NAACP issued a statement took to social media yesterday to condemn the vandalism, saying it “represents not only a disturbing act of racism, but also highlights the wider political climate that facilitates such behaviour.

“At a time when discussions about race, identity and inclusivity are at the forefront of public discourse, incidents like this remind us of the deep-seated prejudices that still exist in our communities,” the statement said.

The school was recently named Worcester Dual Language School Magnet following the merger of Chandler Magnet School and La Familia Dual Language School that took place at the beginning of last school year. According to state statistics, approximately 87% of the school’s students identify as nonwhite, and about 5% identify as black.

more: Worcester chooses new name for amalgamated school despite feedback from head and pupils

Lashana Fulton, the parent of a third- and fourth-grader at the school, said unfortunately for her children, who are black, this is not the first time they have faced discrimination and abusive language in the city. .

“Although my children are only 7 and 9 years old, they have already encountered acts of racism in public. As an adult, I’ve become desensitized to this type of behavior, and unfortunately, I’ve had to teach my children that this is real life and the experiences they have to deal with because of the color of their skin,” Fulton said.

Fulton said she found it strangely ironic that the vandal targeted a bilingual school that, by its very nature, focuses on inclusivity and celebrating diversity in the city.

“The word (racial slur) disgusts me, but the school leadership and what goes on in the school, the word will have no effect on the culture and love that exists in the school,” Fulton said.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: A racial slur painted over at Worcester Bilingual Magnet School