OPP investigating racist graffiti at Lakeshore school, nearby park and sidewalk

Lakeshore Discovery School reported hateful vandalism on and near its property on Tuesday. (Google Street View - image credit)
Lakeshore Discovery School reported hateful vandalism on and near its property on Tuesday. (Google Street View - image credit)

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) say hateful vandalism found at Lakeshore Discovery School in the southwestern Ontario municipality is currently under investigation.

The elementary school with the Greater Essex County District School Board sent a letter home to families on Tuesday explaining what was discovered that morning on portables, and in a nearby park and on a sidewalk.

"The hateful words and images were anti-Black, antisemitic, anti-immigrant, misogynist, and included threats of violence," says the letter from the school, which goes from kindergarten to Grade 8.

"We strongly condemn this hateful act. Ontario Provincial Police have responded and there could be serious charges for this crime."

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The Greater Essex County District School Board says the OPP is now investigating. (CBC)

A spokesperson for the OPP told CBC News on Wednesday that while it can confirm an investigation is ongoing, "investigators cannot speculate on motive."

The school said the markings were covered up by around 8:30 a.m. ET Tuesday.

"This could cause hurt, confusion, anger and other emotional harm. We encourage you to speak with your child to find out whether they saw the vandalism so you can support them … we're also available for support to provide additional resources."

The principal and vice-principal said they're "saddened" and "disturbed" by the incident, and remain committed to working to build a school climate where everyone feels safe and included.

"Hate has no place in our school or in our community."

The Municipality of Lakeshore said in a statement Wednesday staff had cleaned up "hateful and discriminatory" graffiti in River Ridge Park.

"There is no space for hate in Lakeshore, and I appreciate our staff's quick response to remove those messages," said Mayor Tracey Bailey. "We want to ensure that Lakeshore's incredible parks and public spaces are welcoming to all, and we urge anyone with information on these types of incidents to contact the OPP."

Anyone who sees graffiti in Lakeshore is urged to report it to the public service unit, which will document the graffiti before cleaning it up.

Meanwhile, police say anyone living in the area of IC Roy Drive and surrounding areas in Lakeshore that may have video surveillance cameras should check their surveillance footage between 4 p.m., on Sept. 9 and 7 a.m., on Sept. 10 and contact investigators if they find anything suspicious.