‘It feels threatening’: Chalk messages outside Fox Elementary spark concern, investigation
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Photos of concerning and antisemitic chalk messages written outside William Fox Elementary School are sparking concern among parents and community members in Richmond’s Fan District.
The images, taken last week on the Stuart Avenue side of the school, show phrases such as "Stop Ju Supremacy," "Stop Joo Privelage," "Free Palestine" and "Zionist Free Zone."
The Antisemitism Policy Trust has previously described "Joo" as an alternative way to spell "Jew" to avoid social media algorithms designed to pick up the correct spelling.
"It’s scary when things are put on the sidewalk that people can see as scary or threatening to a group of people," said former Fox parent Shannon Heady.
Chalk drawings at Fox Elementary School in Richmond. This one reads "Stop Joo Privelage." (Photos provided by a Fox Elementary parent.)
Chalk drawings at Fox Elementary School in Richmond. These read "Stop Ju Supremacy" and "Free Palestine." (Photos provided by a Fox Elementary parent.)
Chalk drawings at Fox Elementary School in Richmond. This one reads "Zionist Free Zone." (Photos provided by a Fox Elementary parent.)
Heady, who lives in the area and had three children attend the school, said the messages threaten the sense of safety that Fox Elementary has long represented.
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"I think a lot of people in this country feel unsafe," she said. "We always think about our schools and neighborhoods as places of safety, so I think it’s scary."
In a statement to 8News, Richmond Public Schools said:
"We're aware of the unfortunate occurrences of sidewalk graffiti and have made the appropriate authorities aware of its recurrence. The sidewalks are public property beyond RPS's jurisdiction; however, we encourage everyone in the community to be mindful that the space is used frequently by young children."
"It feels threatening," Heady said. "Fox is a community school. Children are walking to and from school."
The Richmond Police Department confirmed it is looking into the chalk messages, but said there are currently no suspects and had no additional details to release.
Investigators are asking anyone with information about the chalk messages to contact police.
