East Greenwich Council addresses racist graffiti incident at high school tennis courts

In a recent East Greenwich Town Council meeting, a troubling incident at the local high school tennis courts sparked a significant discussion among council members. Mark Schwager, a council member, introduced a motion to address the discovery of racist graffiti found on the courts on October 25. The graffiti, written in chalk, was promptly reported to the police and has since been removed.

Superintendent Bridal Ricca and High School Principal Patty Page acted swiftly, reaching out to families within the school community to inform them of the incident and coordinate a response. Schwager emphasized the town's commitment to ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all residents, stating, "There is no place for racism, hate, or intolerance in our schools, our town, or anywhere else."

Town Manager Andrew Nada provided updates on the situation, noting that the school administration had effectively engaged the community in addressing the issue. He clarified the roles of various departments, explaining that while the tennis courts are maintained by the town, the school administration is responsible for engaging with the school population. The police department is actively investigating the matter, and community services are involved in monitoring the facility.

Nada reassured the council that the graffiti, which included both innocent doodles and inappropriate terms, was easily removable due to its chalk composition. He confirmed that park staff had already cleaned the area and that both the police and park departments would remain vigilant in monitoring public facilities for any further incidents.

The council's unanimous support for addressing the incident reflects a strong stance against racism and a commitment to fostering a respectful community. As the investigation continues, the town remains focused on ensuring that all residents feel safe and valued in East Greenwich.