Officials are investigating after offensive graffiti was discovered Monday morning on a wall next to the parking lot at Austin Meehan Middle School in Mayfair.
Someone over the weekend spray-painted offensive messages, including “F— N—ers” and “KKK,” as well as swastikas, according to photographs taken by a parent and shared with the Northeast Times.
The vandal also targeted Jews and Mexicans and wrote “Trump 2020” and “#coronavirus.”
Megan Lello, a spokeswoman for the School District of Philadelphia, said the district was aware of the situation and planned to send a letter home with parents. The graffiti was removed hours after it was noticed.
An investigation into the incident is pending, Lello said in an email. Police also responded to the scene.
Maril Hurst arrived at Meehan for her daughter’s honor roll assembly and parked right by the wall.
“When I saw that, honestly, I didn’t feel safe,” said Hurst, who is black. “I didn’t feel safe for my daughter going to school. I feel better that they’re going to send a notice and the school district is aware of it.”
Hurst said she reported the incident to staff and was told it is a frequent occurrence. She pulled out her phone to take photographs, and she said a school police officer approached and told her not to take pictures.
“It kind of seemed like they were trying to hide it,” Hurst said. “They were a little apprehensive. It is a touchy situation.”
Her daughter, Egypt, who is in seventh grade, was shocked to hear about the incident. Otherwise, the family has been pleased with Meehan, which Hurst said is a diverse school.
“That should be like her second home,” Hurst said. “She should feel comfortable and not being confronted with racist remarks.”
“We’re not really living in the best of times right now,” she added. “Regardless of what your political belief is, we should all still have respect for each other because that is what makes this country so great.” ••
