Education

‘Racist’ graffiti found in student bathroom at Midlands high school

Richland 2 school district map and logo
Richland 2 school district map and logo The State

Spring Valley High School in Columbia is reacting to what its principal described as “hateful, racist messages” that were spray-painted in a high school bathroom.

“The graffiti was deeply offensive to our entire community, and it’s important for you to know that Spring Valley High will not tolerate students being targeted based on their race,” Principal Jeff Temoney said in an email sent out to parents on Wednesday.

Temoney did not describe the messages found in the restroom, but images on social media show the words “F--- Blacks” scrawled above a row of sinks next to a drawing of what appeared to be a Ku Klux Klan hood.

“The messages were immediately removed and all restrooms were checked to ensure that no other areas were defaced,” Temoney said. “District and school administration will continue to investigate to find those responsible.”

Bristow Marchant
The State
Bristow Marchant covers local government, schools and community in Lexington County for The State. He graduated from the College of Charleston in 2007. He has almost 20 years of experience covering South Carolina at the Clinton Chronicle, Sumter Item and Rock Hill Herald. He joined The State in 2016. Bristow has won numerous awards, most recently the S.C. Press Association’s 2024 education reporting award.  Support my work with a digital subscription
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