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Racist rants left on Delta schools

An act of racist vandalism at Ladner Elementary school has parents angry.
delta racist vandalism
Staff this week tried to quickly clean up racist and other offensive messages left by vandals at Ladner Elementary.

An act of racist vandalism at Ladner Elementary school has parents angry.

Last holiday weekend someone had used a marker to draw obscene images on walls and windows on part of the school, including Nazi Swastikas and penises, but also wrote foul messages with the “N” word.

Vandals reportedly also hit nearby Delta Secondary.

What was especially troubling for a pair of Ladner moms was that the word was part of an offensive phrase on the window of the elementary classroom where their girls of mixed race who attend the class saw it.

Saying it was deeply troubling for her daughter, Julia Johnson, who doesn’t want her daughter’s name published, said the school only seemed to make an issue out of it a day later after she and fellow parent Kary Blaney had complained to the principal.

Johnson noted that although she can’t say for sure, the message seemed to be targeted at their daughters who sit where the obscene note was left.

“The words were written on tape and it’s right where they happen sit. I didn’t see the other windows, but that’s what got me concerned,” she told the Optimist.

Noting it’s unfortunate such an act of hate occurred when many are talking about Pink Shirt Day, she said parents were not notified of what occurred until late Thursday, adding what was sent home to parents was not accurate.

“I think what Kary told the principal pretty well says it. If this was proven to be an adult, this would be called a hate crime. I think because they think it might have been kids, they could just call it a simple case of vandalism. It just doesn’t seem at the time they took into account the seriousness of this because they didn’t speak to the students right away and tell anything to the parents right away,” she said. “I’ve had that before with incidents through the school with my other daughter, nothing is said to the parents because maybe they don’t want to bring up those subjects because it’s too hard to discuss,” she added.

 

Agreeing that the elementary school acted slowly, Blaney said she was informed the racist messages were written backwards on the windows so that people inside could read it, while it was written on tape and stuck to the window of her daughter’s class.

School district spokesperson Jen Hill said when the vandalism was discovered the morning classes were to resume, the principal immediately removed the offensive figures and messages but, unfortunately, missed the one written in small letters on the classroom in question. It was removed as soon as a teacher notified the administration.

Noting district takes such offensive remarks seriously, whether it’s an adult using spray paint or young, immature kids running around drawing penises and writing offensive words with markers, she said the school had talks with students about the seriousness of the issue.

The message to parents from principal Cheryl Edge Partington stated, “Some of you might have seen some offensive racial graffiti that was on the southwest side of the school and on several windows along that wall. I cleaned the windows before the students arrived and the district has now painted over the wall. I spoke to our grade 6/7s this morning about the hurtful and damaging effects of this kind of language. Similar graffiti was found at DSS as well. I spoke with the Vice Principal there and I also spoke with our School Liaison Officer to make him aware as well as our senior management. It is very upsetting that these events are taking place anywhere in our community, let alone on school property. This is a reminder to all of us that words are very powerful and can cause pain when used to hurt others.”

 

Blaney posted on the Ladner Landing Facebook page about the incident to raise awareness about the racism, saying there’s been other acts of racism against kids in the community including a Tsawwassen student, adding “evidence is showing that we also have a very racist underground community which is alive and well.”

On the Facebook post, school board chair Laura Dixon responded: “The school’s actions: The principal has responded in detail within the school community and is working with DPD.  If parents have more questions: I would encourage them to discuss any additional concerns directly with the Principal. If there if there is something you would like to be brought forward to the Board, contact me at ldixon@deltasd.bc.ca. In this instance, the school has made a report to the Liaison officer but I remind everyone, if you are aware of criminal behaviour, threats, harassment or a hate crime please call the police. Thank you, Lee, for taking the time to share resources to help increase awareness and understanding.”

Coincidentally, The Delta Organizing Against Racism and Hate Committee is holding a couple of community forums, March 13 at the North Delta Recreation Centre, and March 14 at Harris Barn in Ladner, both from 7 to 8:30 p.m.