Warren Township High School officials investigating racist graffiti

Warren Township High School administrators say they are investigating an instance of racist graffiti discovered on a bathroom stall last week.

A student found the graffiti Friday afternoon in a bathroom at the school's Almond campus and immediately reported it to a staff member, said John Ahlgrim, superintendent of Gurnee-based Warren District 121. The graffiti has been removed, he said, and school officials have been working to identify the individuals responsible.

"We will continue to be diligent in our efforts to make sure all students and staff feel safe and supported at WTHS," Ahlgrim said in a statement Sunday.

Several instances of racist graffiti were discovered last November in bathrooms at the high school's two campuses, sparking a police investigation and a large group meeting and protest organized by minority students.

The "White's Only" graffiti was countered days later by students' efforts to write kind messages on sticky notes that were posted on all 2,500 lockers.

"Over the course of this past year, we have worked collaboratively with our students, staff, parents and community to increase our focus on a need for a respectful and inclusive community," Ahlgrim said. "Such graffiti is certainly not representative of WTHS and not to be tolerated within our school."

Ahlgrim didn't disclose the content of the graffiti found last week, but said it was "inappropriate (and) racially insensitive." Student support teams and teachers are expected to hold discussions Monday during students' social studies classes, he said.

Gurnee police said Sunday the investigation is being handled by the school.