Racial slur found written in possible roofing tar across wall at East Bay elementary school
KENSINGTON, Calif. (KGO) -- Police are investigating what they believe could be a hate crime after racist graffiti was found this week at Kensington Hilltop Elementary School.
Authorities are asking neighbors near the school to share doorbell and dash camera footage recorded between Friday afternoon and Monday morning as they try to identify the person responsible.
According to police, someone wrote the N-word on a wall at the school using what investigators believe was roofing tar.
"My immediate reaction was just shock and anger and sadness," said Caitlin Garibaldi, the incoming trustee for the West Contra Costa Unified School District region that includes Hilltop.
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Garibaldi said the incident does not reflect the district's values.
"I can't imagine being a young, Black student walking into school and seeing that messaging," said Garibaldi.
School leaders said they moved quickly to respond. Hilltop's principal said she is working with the district to provide a campuswide response and ensure support is available to anyone who needs it.
In a letter to parents obtained by ABC7 Eyewitness News, the principal condemned the incident.
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"I want to be clear: racist language and acts of racial intimidation have no place in our school community. Every student, staff member and family deserves to feel safe, respected and valued, without fear of racial harassment or discrimination."
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News of the graffiti has also upset residents in the small East Bay community.
"It's just a shame that people have to stir up trouble when there's enough trouble in the world," said Jim French.
The school said it is working with the Kensington Police Department to determine who was responsible.
In the meantime, Garibaldi offered support to families affected by the incident.
"I hope that our families that are affected by this know that you have my support," she said. "I know you have the support of the district. And I'm here for anything that you need."
