Hate-based graffiti was found in Gaithersburg High School, the school’s principal told families Sunday, making it the second such incident there in the past week.
“I am extremely disappointed to report to you that another instance of hate-based graffiti was discovered today in the boy’s locker room at Gaithersburg High School (GHS),” Principal Cary Dimmick wrote in a letter to families. “A student made the unacceptable decision to scratch the “N” word into the paint on a locker.”
A staff member reported the graffiti and it was quickly removed, Dimmick said. Administration informed their Community Engagement Officer and Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) to help with the investigation.
Dimmick said students who commit such acts will face “strict consequences.” He shared a link with strategies for parents to talk to their kids about racial bias.
In a statement Wednesday, the Montgomery County Council condemned the hate-based graffiti.
“We are saddened to hear of another instance of hate-based graffiti found at a Montgomery County Public School (MCPS), and the second instance this past week alone at Gaithersburg High School (GHS). This time race-based,” councilmembers said in the statement.
“The Council stands in solidarity with the GHS community and the entire MCPS community in condemning all acts of hate and racism.”
Last month, swastikas were drawn on student desks in three separate schools over the course of one week. MCPS and the county council strongly condemned the incidents. And in December, antisemitic graffiti was found spray painted on a Walt Whitman High School sign at Whittier Boulevard in Bethesda.
During a media briefing Thursday, County Executive Marc Elrich said there was more than a 20% jump in hate/bias crimes in 2021, and numbers for 2022 are still being calculated. On Monday, the county announced 91 religious facilities and nonprofits will receive $800,000 to address security needs as officials say hate/bias incidents persist.
