Officials Condemn Swastikas Spray-Painted On Lake Zurich School

LAKE ZURICH, IL — Lake County, school district and village officials have released statements condemning hate vandalism and graffiti found Monday painted on property at Seth Paine Elementary School in Lake Zurich. The vandalism included a giant swastika and other graffiti seen in the photo below.

Officials for Lake Zurich Community Unit School District 95 and the village said the message and symbols aren't reflective of and do not define the Lake Zurich community.

On Tuesday afternoon, Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart issued the following statement in response to the vandalism on the school's outside wall and playground:

"I was deeply saddened to learn that an elementary school in one of our Lake County communities was vandalized with swastikas. Messages of hate do not reflect who we are as a county, and I join with other community leaders in condemning them in the strongest possible way.

Lake County's strength is rooted in our people and their diversity. People of all races, religions, countries of origin, sexual orientation, genders, incomes and abilities are welcome here.

Whenever there are instances of hate in our community, it is incumbent upon us to speak out and denounce them, and remind people that those messages go against the very core of our values. Even then, our work does not end — we must continue to have conversations with our children, our families, and each other about what it means to be an inclusive community and why it is so important.

As we ring in the New Year, I want to reassure all those who live, work and visit Lake County that you are welcome. We will continue to promote inclusion and understanding, and to actively stand up against hate and intolerance."

According to a statement by District 95 Superintendent Kelley Gallt, school officials are working with police and will turn over video camera footage of the Seth Paine grounds for police inspection.

"Based on all of my experiences with multiple stakeholders, including students, staff and families, I am certainly shocked that this type of crime would take place within the boundaries of District 95, most especially during a time of holiday celebrations and joy for many cultures," Gallt's statement reads. "While I do not believe that these messages of hate define our community, it is important for each of us to stand up against behaviors such as these."

In her statement, Gallt described the community as inclusive, friendly and loving, one that should expect "all individuals living in or visiting our district community to celebrate all that makes us unique and good."

"It is important to me that our district learning community understand that we will not tolerate hate messages nor actions of hate," Gallt said.

District 95 and village officials ask that anyone with information on this incident to contact police immediately.

"Lastly, let’s find a way to begin the new year only seeking to share positive messages of hope, joy and acceptance!" Gallt said.

Patch will update this story as new information becomes available.