Edina police investigating anti-Asian, Black, Latino, LGBTQ+ slurs written near school athletics complex
Comments targeting minority groups were written on tennis courts near Kuhlman Stadium at Edina schools. (KSTP)
UPDATE 7/19/22: Edina police say they are investigating an incident after receiving a report from the Edina Community Center building supervisor late Monday morning regarding chalk graffiti on the grounds.
Police say the supervisor provided photos, which depicted genitalia and “derogatory words” targeting Asian, African-American, Latino and LGBTQ+ individuals.
While there are no security cameras at the tennis courts, the supervisor says a building camera shows a black vehicle leaving the area that could be connected to the incident.
The supervisor could not discern license plate numbers. A copy of the footage is expected to be given to police.
No property damage was reported.
INITIAL REPORT 7/18/22: Edina Public Schools says it is investigating an array of slurs that were written at the school’s athletics complex and discovered on Sunday.
5 EYEWITNESS NEWS noted that anti-Asian, anti-Black and anti-LGBTQ+ statements were written in chalk across Edina school tennis courts outside Kuhlman Stadium.
“We are saddened and deeply disappointed to learn that this has taken place within our community and on our property,” Edina Public Schools told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS in a statement.
The full statement can be viewed at the bottom of this article.
Edina schools have filed a police report, a representative told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS. Before the incident was reported, Edina police said they gathered information but had no other details to share at the time.
Edina schools invite community members to join “One Town, One Family” sessions this fall, which are meetings focused on creating a diversity and inclusion action plan.
“This incident demonstrates the need for this work and other efforts,” the school district said.
The district says it has removed the writing. It is unknown when the statements were written or how long they stayed on the courts before removal.
Statement:
Edina Public Schools was made aware of the Anti-Asian, Anti-Black and Anti-LGBTQ writings on the tennis courts located near Kuhlman Stadium when 5 Eyewitness News contacted the communications department. We are saddened and deeply disappointed to learn that this has taken place within our community and on our property. Edina Public Schools does not tolerate behaviors and actions that target members of protected class groups. The messages expressed do not reflect our school district nor the values we uphold.
In addition to reviewing and updating policies accordingly, as part of our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion efforts, Edina Public Schools continues our partnership with the City of Edina, the Edina Community Foundation, the Edina Chamber of Commerce and the YMCA UnitedHealth Group Equity Innovation Center of Excellence to host One Town, One Family. These are community meetings focused on developing an action plan to ensure each of our students and staff experience an inclusive, safe and welcoming community. This incident demonstrates the need for this work and other efforts. We invite our community to join us in upcoming One Town, One Family sessions this fall.
The derogatory comments have been removed and we are investigating the incident.
Edina Public Schools