MAPLE GROVE, Minn. - Police and officials at Maple Grove Senior High say they've launched an investigation into racist, pro-Donald Trump graffiti.
The photos of the graffiti, which exploded on social media Wednesday, were apparently taken in a boys bathroom at the school. The messages appeared on a bathroom door and a toiletry cover. They include the words "#gobacktoafrica", "#whitesonly" and "#whiteamerica". It also included the pro-Trump messages "Trump Train" and "Make America Great Again".
Maple Grove Police confirmed Thursday that they have launched an investigation in hopes of identifying and arresting the person responsible. "This type of behavior is highly offensive, will not be tolerated and does not reflect the views of the Maple Grove community," read a statement released to the media.
"The tweet you may have seen of a racist message scrawled in a school bathroom is real and we are horrified by it," said said Barbara Olson, Osseo Area Schools Community Relations Director. "Racist messages like the one found in today endanger the safety of our students and staff of color, and they create a climate that is not conducive to learning."
Olson added the district is working to identify who is responsible for the messages, but will be taking swift and appropriate action based on the investigation findings.
"This incident is additional evidence of the pressing need in our schools, our community and our nation to find ways to talk about race constructively and respectfully," said Olson. "Over the past several years, we have been learning and practicing language that helps us engage in these conversations when we need them most, in order to interrupt racism."
This is how kids were greeted today at MGSH! This was completely student driven and organized! I'm so proud of them! #lovewins pic.twitter.com/eAkWyExsRa
— Mark Cook (@MGCoachCook) November 10, 2016
One student reacted to the vandalism by asking as many people as possible to show up at 6:45 a.m. Thursday and welcome fellow students as they walked into the school, to make students feel "welcome and safe among our Crimson family."
6:45 this morning, students come together to write messages of love throughout the school #crimsonfamily #greatkids pic.twitter.com/swRxFULbq1
— coach lombo (@lombocrimson) November 10, 2016
Others have planned a protest for noon Thursday at Town Green.
