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Gathering tonight in Lunenburg after racist graffiti found on football player’s home – Metro US

Gathering tonight in Lunenburg after racist graffiti found on football player’s home

crime scene tape Crime scene tape.
Credit: Metro file photo

School officials in Lunenburg are planning a gathering on Sunday night to “stand against the hate” after racist words were spray-painted on the home of a 13-year-old Lunenburg High School football player.

The chairman of Lunenburg School Committee said that the gathering will take place at 6:30 p.m. at the town gazebo and urged others to join him.

“I stand against the hate that has been displayed in our town this week,” Chairman Gregory Berthiaume said in a statement. “I choose to speak out for tolerance, mutual respect and diversity in Lunenburg.”

Police are investigating that incident of racial graffiti that was discovered Friday morning. Police said in a statement that they have also notified the district attorney’s office and the FBI about the hate crime.

The parents of Isaac Phillips woke up Friday morning to find a hateful message spray-painted on the foundation of their home, according to the Sentinel & Enterprise. The message said “Knights don’t need n——.”

Phillips, 13, plays in the Lunenburg High School football program, which carries the nickname the “Blue Knights.”

After the incident was reported, school officials postponed last week’s varsity football game.

“As a community we offer our deepest support to the player and his family and want to emphasize that Lunenburg is an inclusive supportive community and this is not the sort of behavior we foster or tolerate,” school officials and police said in a statement. “The nature of this crime has deeply impacted the team, the school, and the entire community.”

Phillips’ mother said her son’s cleats were also thrown in a trash barrel and his bicycle tire was slashed.

School officials had a meeting with the football team on Friday to come forward with information or an admission but no one did, Phillips’ mother said.

Phillips said, according to the Sentinel & Enterprise, that he doesn’t want to return to the school and is looking to play in another district.

Anyone with information can call978-582-4531.

Follow Michael Naughton on Twitter @metrobosmike.