Security Tightens At 2 Arlington Schools After Racist Graffiti Found

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ARLINGTON (CBSDFW.COM) - Police are tightening security around two Arlington high schools after racist and profane graffiti was found scrawled on the exterior of Martin High School. Workers quickly painted over the graffiti but not before students posted pictures of it on social media.

"Oh yeah, a lot of people are talking about it," said student Conner Black. "It's all over Twitter."

Photos showed spray painted profanity, vulgar pictures and the words 'whites only' sprayed over a drinking fountain. Next to it was what appeared to be the twin horseshoe logo of Martin's arch rival Arlington High School.

"I guess it's payback for something we did last year," Black said. "I don't know. I guess we spray painted their parking lot?"

One of the spray painted messages stated it was a payback for something in a parking lot -- but what it's referring to is a mystery to the school district.

"We are not aware of any incidents in the parking lot so we're not sure what that message is referring to," said Arlington ISD spokesperson Leslie Johnston. "It looks like it's tied to another campus but we are not sure if it is," she said.

Arlington Police Chief Will Johnson later sent a statement to CBS 11 News which read, in part:

"It would appear that this was motivated by hate or bias. We will aggressively investigate this incident in an effort to bring full prosecution against the actor or actors including hate crime enhancement as appropriate."

As word spread about the graffiti, teachers heard Martin students talking about whether there should be retaliation.

"The next class came in and talked about what they were going to do in return," said math teacher Silas Robinson. "Some of the students were saying no, don't. Don't react. Because you really don't know."

"For them to do something like that to another school is very disrespectful and immature," said student Kirstin Pham "I feel like were all miniature adults and should be treating each other as such."

Robinson had one piece of advice for his students just days from finishing the school year.

"Finish the way you began," he said. "Stay strong and focused."

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