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Superintendent: antisemitic graffiti found at Williams Middle School; police investigating
Summary
Longmeadow officials disclosed that antisemitic graffiti reading “Heil Hitler” was found in a Williams Middle School restroom. The district and Longmeadow Police are investigating; administrators said existing anti‑bias programs and reporting mechanisms will continue.
Superintendent Dr. O'Shea told the Longmeadow School Committee that an antisemitic message reading “Heil Hitler” was scrawled on a Williams Middle School restroom wall earlier the same day and that the district is working with Longmeadow Police on an investigation.
“That it's important that we retain those commitments,” Dr. O'Shea said, describing the incident as “really troubling” and saying the episode underscores the district’s ongoing work to combat hate, bias and discrimination.
Dr. O'Shea noted the middle school is designated a No Place for Hate school (an Anti‑Defamation League program) and cited professional development for staff and student‑led efforts as part of the district’s preventive work. He said the district has communicated the incident to the community and will continue to investigate in the days ahead with police assistance.
Committee members thanked administrators and the police for moving the matter forward and urged continued focus on creating inclusive, safe schools. The district did not announce arrests or identify suspects at the meeting. The Longmeadow Police department is assisting with the investigation, according to the superintendent.
Ending note: The superintendent said he will update the committee as more information becomes available and reiterated the district’s commitment to supports and reporting for students and families.
