“The first reaction might be violent, might be anger, might be hatred, the same as what the person intended for it to be. But let’s think through, be clear, and come up with a response that’s more accurately proactive,” Kareem Moffett, the mother of a sophomore and senior student at Withrow, told WCPO.
The vandalism happened late Saturday, and crews spent Sunday power-washing the words away.
State Rep. Alicia Reece, a third-generation Withrow alumna, wants the attorney general to investigate the incident.
This incident marks the third time in two months swastikas have been painted on buildings in Cincinnati.
“It’s unbelievable,” Reece told WCPO. “Withrow was always a school that has great cooperation … great diversity … this is at least the second occurrence at least in Cincinnati. I was deeply hurt when I saw it happen to the Hebrew College, it seems to be a pattern.”
Earlier this month, someone painted a swastika on a sign at Hebrew Union College, a Jewish seminary on Clifton Avenue.
In December, an interracial couple found swastikas and other vandalism at one of their rental properties in East Price Hill. One of their former tenants was arrested and charged in that case.
Cincinnati Public Schools released a statement Sunday evening, which said district officials are working with police to identify who is responsible.
“We are truly saddened by this event and want to assure our students and families that we will keep them safe,” the statement said. “We have not received any threats against our students or staff.”
This article contains reporting from our news partner WCPO.
About the Author