READING (WBZ-AM) -- There's been a disturbing trend of racist and hateful messages surfacing at local institutions, with the latest taking place at Reading Memorial High School.
Racist graffiti, including swastikas and anti-LGBTQ messages. were found three times this week, with the latest instance being discovered on a stairwell Thursday. A student found similar messages in a bathroom Wednesday, and another found similar messages spray-painted on Monday.
"Our officers are actively investigating these crimes, and we intend to hold the perpetrators accountable for their actions," Reading Deputy Police Chief David Clark said in a statement. "The whole department is committed to this investigation."
Also Thursday, a Get Out The Vote lawn sign at Tufts University in Medford had a message plastered over it reading "It's OK to be white." In Cambridge, at Harvard Yard, the very same message was found.
And in Boston on Wednesday morning, racist graffiti was found spray-painted on the doors of the Joseph P. Tynan Elementary School.
In addition, Manchester, New Hampshire Police are investigating swastikas spray-painted around that city last weekend.
Next Wednesday, Reading Memorial High will hold its first school-wide town meeting during the school day, intended to build a stronger school community based on mutual respect. The school is also holding a candlelight vigil "in support of human rights, in celebration of diversity, and in opposition to hate, racism, and bigotry" on Saturday night from 6-7 p.m. outside Reading High.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Shari Small (@ShariSmallNews) reports