Washoe County School District police are investigating an incident involving an anti-Semitic symbol found carved into the grass at Billinghurst Middle School on Thursday.
In a message to families, Billinghurst Principal Kevin Arnold says the symbol, a swastika, was quickly covered and has since been removed.
"We are taking this situation very seriously here at school," said the principal in his statement. "Our school and our district welcome everyone, and we condemn hate speech in all its forms. We hope you will also take the opportunity to discuss with your students how harmful and hateful these symbols and actions are."
Washoe County School District Superintendent Joe Ernst also released a statement on the incident, saying the district would apply appropriate discipline, including potential criminal violations.
"Hate speech does not belong in our schools or our community," Ernst said in his statement. "We condemn all forms of discrimination, intolerance, and hate speech. Every student and staff member in our district deserves a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment."
Any students or parents with information on the incident are asked to contact SafeVoice at 1-833-216-SAFE (7233).
The incident at Billinghurst occurred just days after vandalism at Reno High School, where multiple students are now facing disciplinary action.
