Editor’s note: Additional hate graffiti was found at Rogers Middle School on the morning of March 12. It was announced on March 13 that Patrick Sloan, 18, of Affton, was arrested in connection with the racist vandalism at both schools. Sloan “knowingly (vandalized the schools) because of the race and/or religion of students and staff members of the school district,” per charging documents. He is facing two counts of second-degree property damage motivated by discrimination – a Class E felony – and is currently being held on a $25,000, cash only, no 10% bond.

Graffiti, featuring swastikas and other hate symbols and phrases, was found on the side of Affton High School on March 7. 

In addition to swastikas, the graffiti read “88” – a white supremacist numerical code for “Heil Hitler” as H is the eighth letter of the alphabet – and “WITE POWER,” misspelled without the “H.” 

The high school appeared to have been vandalized the prior evening as the hate speech was found early Friday morning. Once faculty and staff were made aware of the incident, police were contacted and the spraypainted graffiti was covered with a plastic tarp. The Affton School District is partnering with a professional restoration team to remove the graffiti as quickly as possible. 

“We are deeply saddened and outraged … We are working closely with our partners in the community, including the Anti-Defamation League, to ensure that such acts of hate are not tolerated and that those responsible are held accountable,” Affton School District Superintendent Travis Bracht stated in a press release. “As a district, we remain committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment. We stand with and support all of our students, staff and families, as well as members of our community who are affected by this unacceptable act … Hate has no home in Affton School District.”

For those needing support, the district is offering counseling services and is encouraging open conversations “about the importance of respect, including and standing against hate in all its forms.”