Police Investigating Swastikas, Hateful Graffiti At Cambridge Rindge And Latin School

CAMBRIDGE (CBS) -- Police are investigating five reports of hateful and anti-Semitic graffiti in different bathrooms at Cambridge Rindge And Latin School.

According to a letter the school sent to students and parents, swastikas and hateful messages were found in bathrooms at the high school. The first graffiti was found Tuesday afternoon and the last two were found Thursday afternoon.

The graffiti, school principal Damon Smith wrote in his letter, does not represent the school community.

"The symbol and language are provocative and upsetting. Its history as a signal for racist, anti-Semitic, and hateful speech and actions is well known. It is intended to make people feel unsafe and unwelcome," Smith wrote. "I am deeply saddened that this symbol and language has been displayed in our community.  I am sorry that students and staff may have seen the symbol and language in our school.  It does not represent who we are."

The school district launched its own investigation into the graffiti, according to the letter, and reported the incident to Cambridge Police and the Attorney General's office. Police confirmed they are investigating the incidents. Smith's letter indicates the person or people responsible for the graffiti will face "appropriate action," including disciplinary or legal measures.

The school also started conversations with students on what exactly happened and how to move forward from it, and set up a space in the school cafeteria for students to talk with counselors.

The Cambridge incident comes on the heels of a similar incident in Harvard. Police in Harvard investigated vandalism including swastikas and hateful phrases on a rock outside the town's high school. In June, Hopkinton police investigated anti-Semitic graffiti on traffic signs.