HomeMy Public PortalAboutLTC 049-2023 - Ruth K Broad Hate Symbols InvestigationBAL HARBOUR
V I L L A G E -
OFFICE OF THE VILLAGE MANAGER LETTER TO COU NO L
NO. 049-2023
To: Mayor Jeffrey P. Freimark and Members of the Village Council
From: Jorge M. Gonzalez, Village Manager
Date: March 31, 2023
Subject: Ruth K. Broad K-8 Center— Hate Symbol Investigation
The purpose of this Letter to Council (LTC) is to update the Village Council on the
investigation of hate symbols discovered at Ruth K. Broad K-8 Center in February
2023.
As you may recall, during the Village Council Retreat, a discussion was held regarding
a possible hate crime at Ruth K. Broad K-8 Center. Chief Flowers contacted Bay
Harbor Islands Chief Raul Diaz, who confirmed that hate symbols had been identified
inside one of the school's bathroom stalls. The symbols consisted of two (2) swastikas,
several depictions of genitalia, and a reference to Adolf Hitler drawn in marker.
Chief Diaz advised that when Bay Harbor Islands Police became aware of the incident,
he instructed a Detective to visit the school. Upon speaking with the principal, it was
learned that the incident had in fact occurred a few days prior. The principal stated
that the school was conducting an internal investigation and had decided not to notify
Miami -Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) Police.
The Bay Harbor Islands Police Department coordinated with (M-DCPS) Police, who
initiated a criminal investigation into the matter. As of this writing, the investigation
is ongoing and no new leads have been developed.
If you have any questions or need any additional information, please feel free to contact
me or Chief Flowers directly.
JMG/RF/ME/DM