St. Cloud police are investigating a report of a swastika painted on a school wall.
Administrators at North Junior High School notified parents Monday about the "disturbing incident" of graffiti, which was found on the building early Friday morning. They assured families that the school was "committed to ensuring all students feel safe and welcome," according to a statement from the School District.
The swastika, an emblem used by Nazi Germany and considered anti-Semitic, was covered up before students arrived at school. Photos taken after it was removed show the word "SOON" painted above it.
Police said no similar graffiti had been reported. "We don't know who did it or why it was put up," Assistant Chief Jeff Oxton said. "We're looking at this as an isolated incident."
Officials with the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas said the incident was deeply concerning, especially since it happened just hours before the start on Friday of the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur.
"Perpetrators of these types of incidents are intent on spreading a message of hate and challenging the openness and respectful atmosphere of our community," said Steve Hunegs, the group's executive director. "Collectively, we reject these chilling acts and the hate they represent."
