On January 27, 2020 York Regional Police issued a statement that reads in part:
Investigators with the York Regional Police Hate Crime Unit and the #1 District Criminal Investigations Bureau are appealing for witnesses after hate-motivated graffiti was located on a school in the Town of Newmarket. On Monday, January 27, 2020, shortly before 7 a.m., York Regional Police responded to St. Paul Catholic Elementary School, located at 140 William Roe Boulevard, for a report of graffiti that was found on an outside wall. Investigation has revealed that the graffiti contained anti-Semitic and anti-Black messages and images.
Newmarket Today reported:
It was discovered today, Jan. 27, that Newmarket’s Sacred Heart Catholic High School at 908 Lemar Rd. was also defaced with hate-motivated graffiti that included messages and images at the school, a York Catholic District School Board spokesperson confirmed.
The website yorkregion.com reported:
York Catholic District School Board communications manager Mariann Gordon said a statement from the board will be issued this morning. “It’s quite disturbing and we are obviously shocked and dismayed,” Gordon said. “As a Catholic school with values and virtues we have no tolerance for these things.” She reaffirmed those sentiments with a statement released during the afternoon. “As a school community, this kind of hate-motivated crime is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” said Gordon. “It goes against our Catholic values of equity, inclusion and respect; as well as the honour we place on the diversity of each human being. YCDSB feels strongly that any belief that excludes or denigrates others must be challenged, and we strive to build welcoming, safe and inclusive communities.”