WISCASSET
Town officials responded quickly after a member of Wiscasset Middle School’s Civil Rights Team reported offensive words written on a local pump station.
Kyle Beeton, faculty adviser for the Civil Rights Team, said eighth-grader Ryan Medina spotted swastikas and the letters “KKK” written on an Old Bath Road pump station a little more than a week ago.
“He knew they should be gotten rid of somehow, but he didn’t know what to do about it,” Beeton said. “I advised him to call the town office, and he got results.
“I’m proud of the student for recognizing and wanting to do something. I’m also pleased with the town’s response.”
Beeton emphasized the importance of swift reactions to offensive messages.
“Symbols like this often escalate,” he said. “They think maybe they can get away with it next time. We totally reject symbols of hate like this, no matter who they’re targeting.”
Medina’s action, and that of the town, also speaks well of the community, Beeton said.
“It sent a message that we don’t put up with this sort of thing in Wiscasset,” he said.
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