Threats, hate symbols spray painted across new Middleborough High School

A new high school that is only a year old has been defaced with spray paint, hate symbols, and threats, according to the school’s principal.

According to a letter issued by Principal Paul Branagan, early this morning, the Director of Facilities came to the campus and discovered that the school had been vandalized.

Branagan stated that the vandalism was extensive.

“Spray painted around the perimeter of the high school were very hateful and inappropriate messages. Of most concern was a swastika that was spray painted on the front of the high school at the entrance. Additionally, there was a direct threat against me spray painted on the outside of the high school. The incident that took place on our campus is intolerable. I felt it was imperative to share this information with all of you. I am sure this is confusing and hurtful to you as well.”

Police are working with the school, according to Branagan.

“Immediately upon its discovery, school administration notified the Middleborough Police Department and working in partnership with them to review camera footage and search the campus to determine if there was any other vandalism to our school and campus. Our Facilities Team is working to remove the vandalism once all evidence is collected as a police investigation has begun. An outside cleaning company will be on site tomorrow to work to remove the spray paint from the outside of our school. All vandalism has been covered until the proper cleaning can be done to remove the spray paint.”

Branagan forcefully stated that the actions will not be tolerated and that officials are looking to get to the bottom of what took place.

“I need to make something absolutely clear; I am beyond frustrated that this happened at our school. The hateful symbols and threats have no place on our campus and within our community. This behavior will not be tolerated on any level. The actions of whomever vandalized our home does not define our school or the strength of our community. Middleborough High School is a home for every student who walks through the doors of our school. Every student must feel safe to learn and grow. When incidents like this happen, we must stand together. The values of the Middleborough High School family are strong. We are SachemsSTRONG. The actions that took place overnight are beyond hurtful and we will work to ensure that whoever did this will be brought to justice. I am very sorry to share this very concerning and upsetting news with all of you on a Sunday morning. However, it is vital that our school community is made aware of the hateful assault on our school and our commitment to each and every family of our community…we are one.”

If anyone has any information that could help with identifying the suspects, Branagan asks that you reach out to any member of the MHS Administrative Team or the Middleborough Police Department.