Hate graffiti sprayed on Skyview High School

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Hate graffiti was sprayed on exterior walls of Skyview High School in Vancouver early Wednesday morning.

Police said they got a 911 call reporting the crime around 2 a.m. Hate speech involving race, religion and gender was spray painted on an outside wall of the school.

School officials wouldn’t say what exactly was written, but a custodian removed the paint before students arrived Wednesday morning.

Police are actively working to track down who did it.

“I think it’s disgusting,” said Skyview student Caitlin McCoy. “I don’t know why they would do that to our school. I just think it’s  rude to the students.”

A letter was sent to students and parents from Principal James Gray regarding the incident:

Dear Skyview,

Skyview is a special place where we embrace our diversity and celebrate our successes regardless of political ideology, race, heritage, gender identity or family background.

This week we were the targets of hate speech on our outside walls. We have removed it and are in the process of repainting. While this deeply saddens us, we know that it does not define us. It is imperative that we, as a school, recommit to each member of the Skyview community our paramount duty to provide a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students.

I wanted to take a moment to share, again, our covenants that represent our core values in action as an educational community:
Trust- We commit to an environment in which all children are physically and emotionally safe to learn.
Integrity- We commit to holding our students accountable for academic requirements and Skyview’s policies.
Commitment to Excellence- We commit to being reflective in our practice as a means to getting better every day.

While acknowledging that many people in our community- children and adults- are experiencing a broad range of emotions, we will serve them all by staying laser focused on these commitments.

I love this school and these kids. I will do everything in my power to protect them from harm and prepare them for a successful future.

Sincerely,

James E Gray
Principal