Statement
Statement from County Executive Marc Elrich on Hateful Graffiti at Walt Whitman High School
For Immediate Release: Friday 9 January
I am deeply disturbed by the anti-Muslim, anti-Arab, and anti-Palestinian graffiti discovered at Walt Whitman High School today. This hateful act does not reflect who we are as a County and will not be tolerated.
Montgomery County is home to people of many faiths, cultures, and backgrounds, and that diversity is one of our greatest strengths. Acts of hate—whether directed at Muslims, Jews, Christians, or any other community—undermine the safety and dignity of our neighbors and have no place here.
I stand in solidarity with our Muslim community and all those who feel targeted or threatened by this incident. Hate has no home in Montgomery County. We will continue to speak out against bigotry in all its forms and reaffirm our commitment to being a community where everyone is respected, protected, and valued.
The Montgomery County Police Department is working with MCPS and the Whitman High School community to find the perpetrators. I urge anyone with information to contact MCPD at 301-279-8000, the non-emergency number. To report a hate or bias incident, call 311 or complete the online form at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/report-hate.To report an emergency, call 911.
I pledge to continue working with our partners, including Montgomery County Public Schools, to make sure we educate our community about the harm that such divisive language causes our neighbors and friends.
# # #
Release ID: 26-001