A new incident of antisemitic graffiti - the second incident in as many weeks - has rattled the Mira Costa High School community. 

The first incident was identified on April 30, when a student reported multiple swastikas drawn inside a handicap stall in a boys’ restroom on campus.

The most recent incident occurred on May 8, when an anonymous student report led to the discovery of a swastika drawing in a boys' restroom stall - the same stall where the previous graffiti was found.

MBUSD Superintendent John Bowes told parents in a May 18 email that following the initial incident, the Mira Costa administrative team, with district support, conducted a thorough review of available surveillance footage and investigative information - but staff was unable to determine a definitive time frame for when the initial vandalism occurred and have not yet been able to identify the individual(s) responsible.

Regarding the second incident, he wrote, given that staff had been monitoring the area more frequently following the first incident, there is a significantly smaller window of time in which the second act could have occurred. Mira Costa administration and campus security are actively reviewing footage and interviewing students who entered the restroom during the identified time frame. 

"MBUSD recognizes the pain and concern incidents like these cause, particularly within our Jewish community," wrote Bowes in a statement. "Antisemitism and hate in any form are taken extremely seriously and stand in direct opposition to the values of safety, belonging, and respect that the district is committed to upholding across all campuses. We appreciate the continued partnership and support of our students, staff, families, and community as we work through these situations together."

MBUSD Has Experienced Antisemitic Incidents in the Past