DAVIE, FLA. (WSVN) - Menacing messages were scrawled on the walls at a South Florida school, and it has left many people feeling uneasy.
The downright disturbing discovery — foul language, racial slurs and swastikas — was made in the bathroom at Western High School in Davie, shocked the student body.
For students Moam Ross and Ofir Weiss, the defaced walls hit close to home.
“I’m personally Jewish,” said Ross.
“I’m Jewish, so when we go to the bathroom and use the restroom, like, it’s not nice seeing that,” said Weiss.
“Yeah, it should be a place for comfort, not a place that we should see those horrible things,” said Ross.
Broward school officials said custodians found swastikas plastered all over a bathroom wall along with other writing, Friday.
“To my family and my past, it’s just disrespectful,” said Ross.
“It’s very offensive, and I learned about the history of the Holocaust, so it’s really sad people would do that,” said student Mia Rodriguez.
“We shouldn’t be worrying about this in school,” said Alyssa, another student.
The district said custodians cleaned up the writing immediately.
School administrators alerted students on Monday.
“The principal made an announcement yesterday, officially, explaining the situation and asking for help from the students for information,” said Alyssa.
Now, they are hoping something is done.
“These things, for them, are jokes, and they shouldn’t be,” said student Maas Hussain.
Davie Police are now involved in the investigation. They told 7News that they are reviewing school cameras and speaking with students in hopes that someone comes forward with information.
Students said new security measures are also underway.
“The security guards are going to be in and out of the bathroom,” said student Ella Maurer.
All this comes just a week after a similar incident in Parkland.
At West Glades Middle School, a sixth-grader found a drawing of a swastika with the word “swastika” written underneath, also in a student bathroom.
Parents in the pick-up line found out about it through Facebook.
“I’m kind of disgusted,” said parent Nicole Booth. “Wish that kids would be a little bit nicer to each other.”
Sadly, this type of vandalism is happening more often, according to the Anti-Defamation League.
The organization records antisemitic vandalism cases in Florida and reports that in 2021, there were 47 cases compared to 30 in 2020 and 24 in 2019.
When it comes to this latest incident in Davie, Broward Schools officials said, whoever is responsible will face consequences.
Students said these displays of hate aren’t acceptable and make students uncomfortable.
“I hope that they get rid of these kinds of kids at Western,” said Weiss. “It’s not what we’re about.”
“It’s supposed to be the kind of environment everyone is comfortable in,” said Maurer.
“It makes you a lot more cautious and a lot more, like, look over your shoulder type thing,” said Alyssa. “You feel less safe.”
“It’s got to start with the family. These teachers have their hands full,” said parent Matthew Hinenburg. “This principal cannot control everything going on. They couldn’t do it when I was in high school, either, but you find out who it is, and you punish them thoroughly, send a proper message.”
Broward County Schools released a statement that stated the district “does not tolerate displays of bigotry and hate and is committed to educating students about the profound impact of bias.”
If you have any information that could help investigators, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.
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