MIDDLETOWN, Conn. — Middletown Public Schools have put out a letter addressing anti-Semitic vandalism found at Beman Middle School on multiple occasions.
Dr. Alberto Vázquez Matos put out the letter on Thursday addressing the school community, saying that on "repeated occasions," one of the bathrooms inside the middle school had been vandalized with anti-Semitic symbols, specifically swastikas.
"Let me be clear: There is no place for hate, intolerance, or discrimination of any kind in the Middletown Public Schools," said Vázquez Matos. "These acts are not only hurtful and offensive to individuals, but they also undermine the very foundation of a safe and inclusive learning environment for all."
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In the letter, Vázquez Matos said the school district is working with the Middletown Police Department to investigate the incidents. Both district and legal protocols and consequences will be "adhered to and applied," Vázquez Matos said in the letter.
Vázquez Matos went on to say that Middletown Public Schools is committed to "fostering open and honest conversations throughout the school community" when it comes to hate symbols and their effects on people and the community.
He said that the conversation would involve engaging students and staff and would likely seek guidance and support from external organizations like the Anti-Defamation League to enhance the discussions.
"Our words and actions hold immense power," Vázquez Matos said in the letter. "Choosing kindness, empathy, and inclusivity is not only the right thing to do, but it is also essential for building a just and equitable future for all. Let's remind our students and one another of this."
Vázquez Matos said that to help with conversations, the district has added resources to its website, which you can find here.
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Jennifer Glatz is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. She can be reached at jglatz@fox61.com.
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