Montgomery County Public Schools officials and Montgomery County Police are investigating after hateful graffiti was discovered at Walt Whitman High School, prompting a letter to families outlining the school’s response and support measures.
According to the message sent to the Walt Whitman High School community, administrators discovered graffiti on a school building Thursday morning containing an explicit anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian message alongside a Star of David symbol. School officials described the graffiti as profoundly offensive, threatening, and rooted in hate and bias, emphasizing that it will not be tolerated at Whitman or any MCPS school.
The graffiti was immediately covered, and a work order was submitted through the MCPS Division of Maintenance and Operations to permanently remove it from the wall.
Administrators notified the Montgomery County Police Department, which is actively investigating the incident. As part of the investigation, school officials are reviewing security camera footage and meeting with students as appropriate. If the individual responsible is found to be an MCPS student, the matter will be handled as a disciplinary issue in accordance with the MCPS Student Code of Conduct and the district’s Memorandum of Understanding with county police.
The school encouraged anyone with information to contact school administration, the Montgomery County Police non-emergency line at 301-279-8000, or submit tips anonymously through the Maryland Safe Schools Tip Line at 1-833-632-7233. Administrators also commended those who initially reported the graffiti.
In the letter, school leadership emphasized that the incident contradicts the values of the Whitman community and the school’s ongoing efforts to foster a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all students.
Counselors and mental health professionals are available for students who wish to talk or process the incident, both immediately and in the days ahead. School leaders also plan to meet with student leaders, staff, and community members to discuss next steps focused on healing and unity. Additional conversations addressing hate and bias will take place through school platforms such as OneWhitman.
School officials concluded by thanking the community for its support as they work to address the incident and reaffirm their commitment to preserving the dignity and safety of all students. Full letter below:
Dear Walt Whitman High School Community Members,
I am both troubled and disheartened to share information with you regarding an incident that took place today and how it is being addressed by the school. This morning we discovered the words, “F*** Muslims, Nuke Palestine” with a star of David symbol graffitied on the school building. This profoundly offensive, threatening, anti-Palestinian, and Islamophobic hate speech is completely unacceptable, hurtful, and will not be tolerated at Walt Whitman High School or any school in Montgomery County. This harmful graffiti has been covered and a work order through MCPS Division of Maintenance and Operations has been submitted to have it permanently removed from the wall. Incidents rooted in hate and bias contradict who we are and who we strive to be. We have been deliberate in our efforts to create an environment that values diversity and ensures that every student has a safe, welcoming place to learn.
We immediately notified the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD), who are actively investigating the incident. As we collaborate with MCPD, school administrators will assist with the investigation by reviewing security camera footage and meet with students as appropriate. In addition, if found to have been committed by an MCPS student, this incident will be addressed as a disciplinary matter in accordance with the Memorandum of
Understanding with county police and in alignment with the MCPS Student Code of Conduct. We commend the individuals who reported this incident of hate and encourage any student or community member with additional information to contact our school administration, the Montgomery County Police non-emergency line at 301-279-8000, or anonymously through the Maryland Safe Schools Tip-Line at 1-833-632-7233.
Our primary goal is to always ensure the psychological and physical safety of our students at Whitman. School counselors and mental health professionals are available today and in the coming days for any students who wish to speak about or process this incident. Starting today, I will meet and engage in conversations with student leaders, staff, and community members to outline ways we can come together and promote healing.
Furthermore, we will utilize spaces like OneWhitman to engage in conversations and continue our learning on methods to confront and combat incidents of hate. We appreciate your support as we confront incidents like these and work toward creating a community that preserves the dignity of all people.
Lastly, I encourage parents/caregivers to talk with their children about respecting all and showing acceptance and understanding for our differences.
Please help them to understand the weight that intolerable symbols, words, and actions carry with them.
Additional information and links here.
