Swastikas scrawled inside a boys' bathroom stall at Mira Costa High School rattled Manhattan Beach students, parents, and staff this spring. Now, district officials say they have identified and disciplined the student responsible for the antisemitic graffiti reported in late April and early May.
As reported by MB News, MBUSD Superintendent John Bowes told parents in an email that the district's investigation identified a student and that "appropriate disciplinary action" was taken. He added that student-privacy laws prevent the district from sharing specific details. Bowes also urged the community to stay engaged while the school continues prevention and educational work.
The first episode was reported on April 30, when a student found multiple swastikas drawn inside a handicap stall. A second report on May 8 documented another swastika in that same stall, according to MB News.
Officials reviewed surveillance footage and interviewed students as part of the inquiry. Anyone with information can call the Manhattan Beach Police Department's anonymous tip line at (310) 802-5171. The city's public releases list that number for anonymous reports (City of Manhattan Beach).
District Policy And Curriculum Steps
MBUSD has taken formal steps aimed at preventing antisemitism on campus, including a 2022 board resolution that adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working definition and added Art Spiegelman's Maus to the middle-school reading list. MBUSD BoardDocs also details partnerships with the Museum of Tolerance, Holocaust Museum LA, and the Anti-Defamation League for staff training and the No Place for Hate program.
Local Context And Why It Matters
Manhattan Beach saw a string of antisemitic vandalism and related incidents in 2022 that prompted city and school action, which helps explain the heightened community reaction to the recent bathroom graffiti. Regional coverage at the time documented multiple reports across MBUSD campuses and public spaces, prompting local leaders to sharpen policies and outreach (Los Angeles Times).
Officials say the school-level discipline is complete and that the district will continue working with community partners on education and prevention. Parents and residents who want more detail can look to district updates and are encouraged to contact MBPD's anonymous tip line if they have information that could help the investigation (MBUSD communications).
