LOGAN, Utah —  A statement from the Logan City School District condemned racist vandalism, in the form of images and language, found earlier this week in the parking lot of Logan High School. 

Read more: Federal investigators say reports of hate crimes continue to climb across the US

The district referenced the discovery of racist language and images on its property, which included swastikas and well-known white supremacist slogans, in a Facebook post.

Earlier this week, someone painted over messaging in a parking stall at Logan High School that appeared to support Black Lives Matters. The racist vandalism resulted in black paint over the word “Black,” so it read “white Lives Matters” instead. In addition, whoever vandalized the parking space wrote the phrases “no white guilt” and “we are everywhere” in chalk. 

Schools condemn racist vandalism, pledge support for those affected

The statement condemned “both the use of racist language and imagery in any context, and the harmful ideologies that promote their use.” 

It continued:

We are saddened by this act of vandalism, and reiterate to our students, staff, and community our commitment to promoting a safe and equitable learning environment for all students. We also reiterate our support for the Utah State Board of Education’s recent statements that:

 

Racism in the past and the present is destructive to individuals and society as a whole

 

Individuals have a fundamental responsibility to treat others with respect and civility, regardless of their race or ethnicity

 

Utah schools should be a place where all students feel safe and are given equitable opportunities to succeed.

 

Utah law provides that “every student in the public schools should have the opportunity to learn in an environment which is safe, conducive to the learning process, and free from unnecessary disruption”

The statement described the racist vandalism at Logan High School as “in direct opposition to these positions.” 

Logan High School and district officials concluded the statement by promising to provide support to anyone “negatively affected” by what happened. They also pledged to continue work to “promote equity and inclusion.” 

Read more: 

• Hate crimes in US reach highest level in more than a decade
• President Nelson addresses racism and violence in social media post
• World Famous Yum Yum Food Truck vandalized with Anti-Asian graffiti

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