Ottawa school board investigating hateful graffiti discovered at high school

The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board head office on Greenbank Road. (CTV News Ottawa)

Ottawa’s public school board is investigating the discovery of hateful graffiti at an Ottawa high school.

The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board confirmed to CTV News Ottawa that “anti-Palestinian, Islamophobic and antisemitic graffiti” was located at Brookfield High School on Brookfield Road last week.

“Upon discovering the graffiti, the school administration acted promptly to remove the offensive messages and launched an investigation,” the OCDSB said Monday morning.

“Administration responded to ensure the evidence was collected and shared with police and are cooperating fully with their investigation into this matter. Counselling and support services have been made available to all students and staff.”

The OCDSB contacted the Ottawa Police Service’s Hate and Bias Crime Unit, and the board said support services have been made available to students and staff at Brookfield High School.

“We will continue to work closely with our community partners to address the impact of this incident and ensure that all members of the Brookfield High School community feel safe, respected, and supported,” the board said.

“At the OCDSB, we condemn all acts of hatred, discrimination, and violence. Our highest priority is creating safe and inclusive learning environments, maintaining a zero-tolerance policy for hate in our schools.”

The Ottawa Police Service told CTV News Ottawa on Monday that the Hate and Bias Crime Section is “actively investigating,” but no suspects have been identified.