Editor’s note: This statement was provided by State Sen. Alessandra Biaggi.

PELHAM, NY – On Friday, the Pelham community was notified that a racial epithet was found written on the windowsill of a Pelham Memorial High School bathroom.

State Senator Alessandra Biaggi (D-Bronx/Westchester) issued the following statement:

“I am deeply disturbed and saddened to learn that a racial slur was found graffitied in the bathroom of Pelham Memorial High School, of which I am a proud alumni. I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to our Pelham community members grieving this racist act. There is zero tolerance for racism in Pelham – every student, teacher, parent, and neighbor is welcome in our community, regardless of their race or ethnicity. As I have said before, any action fueled by hate is unacceptable in District 34 and any iteration of racism will be condemned. Every member of our community deserves equal respect and to live without fear of any threat to their safety. I thank Cheryl H. Champ Superintendent of Schools and Pelham Memorial High School Principal Jeannine Clark for their due diligence and expediency in responding to this racist act, and commitment to further educate students on racial bias and hate crimes. I encourage every student and Pelham community member to make it a daily practice to reflect on the ways we can individually contribute to our collective effort in dismantling white supremacy in all its forms.”