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Hingham school leaders condemn antisemitic and racial graffiti found at Hingham High School
Summary
School leaders told the March 10 Hingham School Committee meeting that antisemitic and racist graffiti was discovered in two high‑school restrooms; administrators say the district is investigating, has removed the markings and will pursue education and prevention steps.
School Committee Chair Nessa opened the March 10 meeting by alerting the committee and the public that hateful graffiti had been found in Hingham High School restrooms.
Chair Nessa said a drawing “a ********” was discovered in a boys’ bathroom last week and that “the N word was found in another bathroom” on the day of the meeting. She described the markings as “not random acts of graffiti” but “symbols of hate” and said they “send a message of exclusion, fear, intimidation, to members of our community.”
The superintendent, Katie (Superintendent), told the committee the administration is “committed to promoting a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment” and thanked students who reported the incidents and administrators who “responded quickly.” She said removing the markings “does not erase the deeper problem” and that the district will “analyze our curriculum, our programming, our communications” and “teach the history behind these hateful symbols and slurs.”
Both speakers framed the incidents as part of a broader national rise in antisemitism, racism and intolerance and said the district will pursue education, conversation and accountability rather than treating the acts as pranks. Chair Nessa directly addressed affected students: “To our Jewish, black, and all students who have ever felt targeted or unsafe, we see you, we stand with you, and we will not tolerate any act that threatens your dignity or belonging in this school.”
No formal disciplinary outcomes or arrests were announced at the meeting. Superintendent Katie said the district will continue investigations and follow established procedures; she asked the community to expect follow‑up about curriculum review and community conversations. The committee did not take a vote on policy changes at this meeting; Chair Nessa and the superintendent said next steps would include targeted education and outreach and possible future policy review.
