Joint Statement- MI Community Leaders Condemn Antisemitic and Racist Vandalism at Islander Middle School

January 2, 2025

Late yesterday evening, individuals trespassed onto the Islander Middle School (IMS) grounds and defaced numerous windows and exterior walls with antisemitic and racist symbols and phrases. 

This abhorrent act of hate is not only a violation of our community’s shared values, but an attack on the principles of inclusion, respect, and safety that we work every day to uphold in our community. As School Superintendent, School Principals, City Manager, and Chief of Police of Mercer Island, we condemn this hateful antisemitic and racist act.

As leaders in this community, we are angry, disappointed, and deeply saddened by this incident. Antisemitism, hate, and racism in any form have no place in our schools, our city, or anywhere in our society. We are committed to holding those responsible accountable for their actions and ensuring that IMS - and all Mercer Island schools - remain spaces where every student and family feels safe, valued, and respected.

Mercer Island Police Department (MIPD) officers were onsite this morning to document this hate-fueled crime. Meanwhile, Mercer Island School District (MISD) staff began removing the graffiti to ensure that students and staff return to a clean and welcoming campus. MISD and MIPD have reviewed the IMS security footage and are working collaboratively throughout the investigation process. 

We have been in contact with Amy Lavin at the Stroum Jewish Community Center, who has been a steadfast partner in the past and will again stand up against hate with us today. In the coming days and as school resumes after the winter break on Monday, MISD will work closely with the MIPD, students, families, and community leaders to address the impact of this hateful act and strengthen our ongoing efforts to promote belonging and inclusion. MISD will also be providing additional support and resources to students and staff affected by this incident.

We urge anyone with information about this incident to come forward and assist in the investigation.

• Students may use their anonymous Say Something App or the Say Something Tipline (1-844-5-SAYNOW)
• Community members may call the Police Non-Emergency Dispatch line at (425) 577-5656
• Community members may send an email to School Resource Officer, Olivia Phan, at olivia.phan@mercerisland.gov

Together, we will work swiftly to identify, discipline, and/or prosecute those responsible for this crime. This incident will neither define our schools nor community as we continue to send the message that we reject hate and reaffirm our shared commitment to creating a Mercer Island where everyone feels a true sense of belonging.

Fred Rundle
Superintendent, Mercer Island School District

Jessi Bon
Mercer Island City Manager 

Chris Sutter
Mercer Island Chief of Police

Mary Jo Budzius and Aaron Miller
Islander Middle School Co-Principals