The principals of the Mass. condemn racist graffiti at Wayland High School

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On Wednesday, Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents executive director Thomas Scott condemned the graffiti using a racial slur meant to target Wayland Public Schools Superintendent Omar Easy.

The graffiti, which reportedly included the N-word and the name Omar, was found written in a community swimming pool on the grounds of Wayland High School. A note from Principal Allyson Mizoguchi confirming the graffiti’s message was first reported in the Wayland Student Press Network.

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Scott said in a statement that the association was disgusted by the insult directed at Easy, who is black.

Unfortunately, we are experiencing a growing number of incidents where people are using language against others based on their race, ethnicity and sexual orientation, Scott said. It’s not only hurtful, but it delivers messages inconsistent with our educational mission to create a sense of support and belonging for one another.

Scott added that the incident was an act of blatant racial aggression and demands that we all stand up against such acts of hate.

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MASS believes that the vision of every Commonwealth community should be to promote anti-racism, equity and cultures of belonging for all, Scott concluded. It’s time for every member of our Commonwealth to stand up and speak out for fairness and speak out against all acts of racism and hate.

Police were notified of the graffiti at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, according to a joint news release from the city, police department and school board. Wayland Community Pool said on Facebook that it will support the police, school district and city in the investigation.

The school then held an emergency advisory meeting which lasted 20 minutes between 1:23 p.m. and 1:45 p.m., the student newspaper reported. This meeting was intended to give students and staff time to share their feelings and understand what happened.

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Police notified the New England Anti-Defamation League of the graffiti and asked anyone with information related to the incident to call the Wayland Police Department at 508-358-4721.

As superintendent, Easy previously addressed racism when a student on Wayland High School’s basketball team was the victim of multiple racial slurs during a game with Westford Academy in February, according to CBS Boston. Easy said the district would not participate in any athletic events with Westford Public Schools that spring.

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