CUMBERLAND — Administrators at Greely Middle School in Cumberland said Monday they are removing offensive graffiti that was spray-painted on the back of the building over the weekend.

Principal Kimberly Brandt said police notified her Monday of the vandalism.

Police believe at least two people used red, green and gold paint Saturday night to spray foul language, two swastikas, drawings, some anti-Jesus rhetoric and a message directed at a school staff member.

The graffiti was found on the school and some surrounding condominium buildings. The message against the staffer was not threatening, she said.

The vandalism is the first of its kind at the 9-year-old building, Brandt said. There are no security cameras in the area, she said.

Police photographed the messages before they were removed, and are investigating, Brandt said.

The principal said she plans to address students and staff to condemn the graffiti, and is asking that anyone with information about the incident come forward.

“Vandalism is not who we are,” Brandt said. “We are a community that stands up against bias, prejudice and discrimination.”

She said a recently formed civil rights student group will meet this week to discuss ways to communicate in non-offensive, productive ways.

Anyone with information should contact Brandt at 829-4815, or call Cumberland police at 829-6391.

Staff Writer Matt Byrne can be contacted at 791-6303 or at:

mbyrne@pressherald.com

Copy the Story Link