High school rallies against racist, homophobic vandalism

CINCINNATI− Withrow High School held a rally this morning to take a stand against

swastikas, racist words and homophobic slurs that were painted near the school’s football field and replace them with something positive, according to a WCPO report.

About 140 students, alumni and parents and community leaders committed to participate in the 7:15 a.m. rally at the school in Hyde Park.

"The first reaction might be violent, might be anger, might be hatred, the same as what the person intended for it to be. But let's think through, be clear, and come up with a response that's more accurately proactive," said Kareem Moffett, the mother of a sophomore and senior student at Withrow, said to WCPO.

The slurs and symbols were painted late Saturday. Crews removed them the following day.

This incident marks the third time in two months swastikas have been painted on buildings in Cincinnati.

"It's unbelievable," said Rep. Alicia Reece, a third-generation Withrow alumna. "Withrow was always a school that has great cooperation ... great diversity ... this is at least the second occurrence at least in Cincinnati. I was deeply hurt when I saw it happen to the Hebrew College, it seems to be a pattern."

One swastika at Withrow covered a parking sign, with the word "TRUMP" painted on the sidewalk directly in front of it.

Before he was sworn into office Friday, President Donald Trump told any of his supporters harassing minorities to "stop it."

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