Marin elementary school campus tagged with swastika

A swastika was found spray-painted on the pavement outside a Wade Thomas Elementary School classroom in San Anselmo.

“It’s horrific to know someone would do this and I’m deeply saddened, sorry and frustrated that this occurred,” said Marci Trahan, superintendent of the Ross Valley School District. “We have worked hard to create acceptance and a strong sense of belonging for all of our students, staff and families.”

School staff discovered the graffiti before school began on Thursday morning and believe it was painted the night before. The school maintenance staff removed the graffiti.

“I want to take this moment to reassure our Jewish students, staff, families, and community members that we stand firmly with you and offer our unwavering support,” Trahan wrote in a statement to the public. “I urge every member of our community to join together in denouncing acts of hatred and discrimination.”

The Central Marin Police Authority is investigating. Anyone with potential information about the source of the graffiti can call police at 415-927-5150.

Painting or drawing a swastika is a hate crime in California. Assembly Bill 2282, passed in 2022, expanded the restricted locations to include school. It also increased the potential penalties to 16 months of jail and a fine of up to $10,000 for a first-time offense.

The case follows several instances of antisemitic flyers being dropped on Marin County driveways in the past year. In late April, police investigated 10 antisemitic pamphlets that were found by residents in San Anselmo and Ross.