Joint Press Release

Robert LeLacheur, Town Manager, Town of Reading

John Doherty, Superintendent of Schools, Reading Public Schools

David Clark, Deputy Chief, Reading Police Department

Over the last three weeks, Reading Memorial High School has experienced a series of six threatening and hateful graffiti incidents which has impacted our Jewish Community, LGBTQ Community, and Students of Color.  In each of these incidents, we have informed the Community in a timely manner with specific information and have taken actions which included a candlelight vigil, courageous conversations with students and staff, increased staff visibility in the hallways and public areas during classes, and tightening up of other rules and procedures.  In addition to the above, we have continued to educate students during class of what these hateful symbols mean and how we can be upstanders and call out those that are committing these hateful acts.

Each incident is currently under investigation and both Reading Police and RMHS Administration have been aggressively reviewing camera footage and interviewing potential witnesses.  Unfortunately, at this time, we do not have any suspects for any of the incidents.

Yesterday, two more incidents were reported, both in different bathrooms at Reading Memorial High School.  The first incident was two additional swastikas and the second incident was some threatening remarks impacting “white people.”  Both incidents are under investigation by our High School Administration and the Reading Police Department.  Both incidents are unacceptable and are not welcome in our community.

For each of the above situations, it has been our intent to keep the community informed with timely and transparent communication, including joint press releases from town, police, and schools and messages from the High School Principal and the Superintendent of Schools.  In spite of these ongoing communications, the incidents continue to occur and with increased frequency.  After each incident our frustration, and the frustration of this community grows.

To that end, we have decided to change our approach in reporting the incidents to the community.  We will continue to investigate all incidents aggressively and proactively put in place the measures mentioned above.  Rather than send out immediate information to the general public, we will summarize using a combination of our school district newsletter, press releases and social media.  Our intent is to continue to internally address the issues and also to keep the community informed.  It is our hope that this shift will reduce and eliminate these acts of hate.

The Reading Police Department encourages anyone with any information to report it to the police non-emergency line, either by calling 781-944-1212 or reporting it anonymously through the Text-a-Tip service or the Town website, detailed below.

More information on reporting an anonymous tip to Reading Police:

• Text a Tip by texting the keyword READINGPD and a message to 847411 (tip411).

The Town website (READINGMA.gov) has more information about anonymous tips, including an anonymous reporting form, through this link: Reading Police Anonymous Tips