Venice High hit with hate graffiti

Graffiti depicting harsh images was painted onto the walls of Venice High School Tuesday night, the day before the school’s planned Unity Day.

“Three male youths” sneaked onto school grounds around 10:30 p.m. and tagged walls with drawings of male genitalia and Nazi symbols, according to Eric Jackson, the school’s principal. He addressed the incident in a robocall to parents and a school intercom message Wednesday morning.

“Vandalism of this magnitude is highly unacceptable, is not condoned, and is considered a felony crime,” Jackson said. “This was an act of ignorance and is not a true reflection of Venice High School’s values and morals.”

A $1,000 reward is being offered for information related to the vandalism that results in an arrest.

Jackson said that janitors worked Wednesday to remove the graffiti and Venice High will still celebrate Unity Day.

“This is an opportunity for all us to come together and take a stand against bullying. This is a day to stand united for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. Unity Day also serves as an opportunity for all of us to consider differences in viewpoint and culture so that they are appreciated rather than feared.”

The Venice Police Department is investigating the incident.

This story was originally published October 25, 2017 at 1:39 PM with the headline "Venice High hit with hate graffiti."