THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, September 17, 1996 TAG: 9609170002
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 28 lines
Recently, while walking through the schoolyard at Providence Elementary School, I noticed some disturbing graffiti on the basketball court.
There were two swastikas, as well as other racist comments. My first instinct was to call the police, which I did. They told me to call the school office, which again I did. I also today noticed a huge swastika in front of my house, which I also reported.
The reason I reported these incidents is that I was personally offended by them, both as a Jew and as a citizen. But it was more upsetting to me as a citizen.
I attend Kempsville High School, where I see people of many races, religions and ethnic backgrounds. It upsets me to see that there is still this hatred today in the '90s.
Not only is there hatred but, more importantly, ignorance. Even with the educational opportunities out there, people still remain uneducated about other cultures.
I feel that education is the key. If we teach understanding in the school, perhaps there would be no graffiti outside the school.
MAURA PROSER
Virginia Beach, Sept. 10, 1996 by CNB