Maple Grove High School Students Offer Support Following Racist Vandalism
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Students at Maple Grove High School are speaking out following an act of racist vandalism Wednesday afternoon.
On Wednesday, a vandal, or vandals, wrote racist messages containing "whites only," "white America" and "Trump" in a boys' bathroom on school grounds. The photos quickly circulated across social media, causing outrage.
On Thursday morning as students arrived at school, several began writing messages of support and love to be posted around the school. Soon, the hashtag #crimsonfamily began trending on Twitter.
This isn't just a show, this is truly what it means to be part of the #CrimsonFamily. ???? Proud of everyone who was part of this. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/MkMMIonGTp
— Kate ???????? (@kopenguin123) November 10, 2016
Following the incident on Wednesday, the Osseo Area Schools provided a statement, saying in part that officials were horrified.
"It goes against everything we stand for, and it is completely contrary to our core values as a district and individual school," the statement read.
On Thursday, the Maple Grove Police Department announced they will be assisting in the investigation, stating "This type of behavior is highly offensive, will not be tolerated and does not reflect the views of the Maple Grove community."
According to the Star Tribune, a group of students held a discussion with parents and Osseo High School students about what more can be done.
They plan to host a walk out on Friday afternoon.