FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 9, 2018

CONTACT
Tracy Wrend, LSSU Superintendent
1-802-888-4541

LSSU Statement Concerning Hateful Graffiti Incident on School Grounds

Dear Elmore-Morristown Community Members,

This week a concerning and reprehensible event occurred on Morristown school grounds.
Someone painted hateful and bigoted graffiti on the grass of the softball field. The graffiti
consisted of a swastika and MS13 symbol, which is a reference to gang behavior.

First, I want to make it clear that LSSU condemns all acts of hatred, bigotry, racism and
intolerance of any kind. Thankfully, the response to this awful incident has
been excellent. Community members reported the graffiti and it was immediately removed by
our custodial team. The Morristown Police Department responded promptly and thoughtfully
to the report and are continuing to investigate.

We will continue to support law enforcement in any way we can with the investigation and we
encourage any member of the community who has related information to share what they
know with the Morristown Police.

We take our role as educators seriously. This includes helping our kids and community during
difficult times such as this. We will continue to teach and reinforce respectful, responsible
behavior and help ensure that our learning environment is welcoming and safe for all. We look
forward to working with the community to learn from it and move forward.

Respectfully,

Tracy Wrend