Hanover County, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) - Two juvenile Mechanicsville High School students have been charged in connection with a vandalism incident involving a hate symbol.
Just over two months ago, a swastika symbol was found graffitied on Mechanicsville High School’s football field.
School officials said at the time that the “obscene” symbol stood in “direct opposition to the principles of unity, respect, and inclusion that we hold dear at our school and across our school division.”
The Hanover County Sheriff’s was immediately notified of the incident and launched an investigation. On Tuesday, Jan. 9, investigators identified and interviewed two boys in connection with the vandalism.
Both juveniles have now been charged with the following misdemeanors:
• Trespassing on school property
• Vandalism
• Entering property with intent to damage
“The identities of the juveniles are currently being withheld due to their ages,” said a spokesperson with the sheriff’s office. “We would like to express our gratitude to our media partners and the community for their support and assistance with this investigation, as well as to our valued partners at Hanover County Public Schools.”
In a statement, Principal Charles Stevens and Superintendent Michael Gill reiterated HCPS’ strong opposition to “all forms of hatred.”
“We condemn this vile act of vandalism, antisemitism, and all forms of hatred in the strongest possible terms,” the statement said. “It is an affront to the very principles and values that we stand for as a school and as a school division. Mechanicsville High School and all 26 schools in HCPS are places of learning, growth, and respect. We remain committed to being a school division where all students, faculty, staff, and community members feel welcome, valued, and safe.”
