DENVER -- Racist graffiti was found sprayed on a playground at a Denver school over the weekend.
Denver Public School (DPS) officials say the message found at Joe Shoemaker School was not directed towards anyone in general but was hateful to people of color.
The racist graffiti was spotted by YMCA summer program leaders who pulled kids away from the area of the playground once they saw it.
The graffiti was soon covered and has been cleaned up now. Denver police is investigating and does not have any suspect information at this time.
DPS sent out a letter to the parents of the school notifying them about it, which you can read in full below:
Aug. 5, 2019
Dear Shoemaker Families:
We immediately took steps to cover the graffiti. We then contacted Denver police and the DPS Department of Safety. Officers are conducting a thorough investigation into the matter. Officers were on campus today during their investigation.
We have notified our staff and faculty team at Shoemaker. Some students that are part of the YMCA summer program may have seen these hateful messages. YMCA staff members immediately got the young people away from the playground. Members of the DPS crisis team are available to assist students in coping with their feelings and concerns.
Crisis team members are DPS school psychologists and social workers from around the district. We also will have members of the Employee Assistance Program available to assist our educators in coping with their feelings and concerns. I would like to assure you that the safety and well-being of our students and staff is our top priority. Our school is and will continue to be a place where all students, families and educators feel valued, are respected and know that they belong here at Joe Shoemaker School.
As always, feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Christine Fleming
Principal