Racist Sign Defacement Investigated as Hate Crime in Deep River

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By By Aaron Rubin • 03/06/2022 03:05 pm EST

The town sign on Route 154 in Deep River that usually welcomes motorists with messages about things like town meetings or Little League sign-ups was found vandalized early on June 1, with a new message stating Trump 2024 and employing racist slurs to say Black and Latino people are bad. The incident has caused uproar in the small community and is being investigated by Connecticut State Police as a hate crime.

“On June 1, 2022, at approximately 6:50 am, F Barracks located in Westbrook was notified of a vulgar, racist message posted on the board of Devitts Field in the town of Deep River,” said Resident State Trooper Stephen Krause.

The removable letters on the board are unsecured, according to Krause.

Investigation by Troop F is ongoing and in collaboration with the Connecticut State Police and its Crime Analysis Unit. Krause asked anyone with information about the incident to contact the Resident State Trooper’s office at 860-526-6027 or the State Police Hate Crime Investigative Unit at [email protected].

State Representative Christine Palm (D-36) denounced the act of vandalism later that day.

“I strongly condemn the use of these disgusting epithets. This is hate speech, and I support town officials and the police in taking this very seriously,” Palm wrote. “We’ve seen a rise in incidents like this across the country in recent years. That trend has only deepened the resolve of those of us who know diversity strengthens every community.

“Like any cancer, racism must be stopped early. Whether this was a youthful prank or the cowardly act of an adult, it has no place in our town,” she continued. “I know my fellow residents of the 36th District will not stand for this and join me in condemning this despicable act of hate.”

On June 2, First Selectman Angus McDonald issued a statement denouncing the act of hate speech, and ensured that the perpetrators of this incident will be prosecuted to “full extent of the law.”

While plans are preliminary, McDonald says that the town is looking to establish community-wide educational workshops in response to the incident, where there will be discussions on the issues of race and diversity.

“Our town leaders will be working with our schools, Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau, our churches, local legislators, and neighboring communities to arrange for conversations and programs directed toward education, communication, and healing,” he said in the issued statement.

State Senator Norm Needleman (D-33) on June 2 issued a statement that read, “This is reprehensible behavior that has no place in the Deep River community, or for that matter, any community. I denounce the messages left and the horrid beliefs they represent. Unfortunately, this is not the first incident of hate speech our region has seen. We must work toward a future where it doesn’t happen again.

“I am encouraged that town officials, state officials, local clergy and local police are working together, not only to investigate this serious incident but to work on solutions. Our common experiences should bring the community together in light of those who seek to tear us apart,” the statement continued. “Hatred has a real cost and exact a heavy toll on our communities, especially when used to intimidate and hurt others. We must work together to find common solutions and togetherness, leaving those intending to divide and harm to languish in condemnation.”

The town has contacted the Anti-Defamation League for support on working to support initiatives for discussions.

McDonald emphasized in his issued statement the “very real fear” that acts of hate speech can engender in people. Allison Abramson of Tri-Town Youth Services (TTYS) is also aware of how emotionally triggering acts of hate speech can be, and said that the mental health organization is looking to work on this issue in collaboration with the town and on its own, particularly with the youngest residents of the tri-town region.

“We’re very aware of the impact that racism has on children of color,” she said. “We are talking a lot at our organization about trauma, and one term is called ‘cumulative trauma.’ Racism is an example of that. These constant microaggressions or incidents that over time build up a sense of fear or heightened nervous system response, that can lead to a host of negative health and educational outcomes.”

While looking to work with young people who may feel threatened and fearful as a result of this kind of incident, TTYS will be leaning on resources provided by Everyday Democracy, according to Abramson. The non-profit helps to bring together diverse communities across the United States to facilitate conversations and provide training surrounding issues of racial equity.

Abramson said that programs taking after these resources could be devoted to anti-bias training and discussions on race at local libraries.

From town-sponsored discussions to direct mental health services, Abramson sees the absolute positive of hosting events dedicated to discussions on race and diversity, and the assisting in the mental health effects acts of hate speech can produce.

“This could be an opportunity for community learning and growth, and reflection,” she said.

TTYS has also published a Google Form on its website tritownys.org, inviting residents of Chester, Deep River, and Essex to express interest in participating and the planning of community-wide conversation events.

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