Swastika

(JTA) — The 14 male students who sprayed a swastika and anti-gay slurs on the side of their Boston-area high school can go through a “restorative justice process” instead of being criminally prosecuted.

The vandalism, using the spray from fire extinguishers at Arlington High School, occurred on May 2. The vandals also shattered the glass of vending machines, display cases and of the fire extinguishers.

The school district and police department consulted with the Arlington Human Rights Commission, the Anti-Defamation League, and the Arlington LGBTQIA+ Rainbow Commission to decide on a response to the attack, the Boston television station WHDH Channel 7 reported.

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Under the restorative justice process, the victims of the crime will be given an opportunity to meet with the vandals, allowing the teens to better understand the impact of their actions and to make amends as well as financial restitution.  The offenders will work directly with the school community, Jewish community and the LGBTQIA+ community throughout the process.

Those who do not choose to participate in the restorative justice process will have their case prosecuted and face the possibility of having a criminal record. In addition, the students still face discipline from the Arlington Public Schools, including suspension or being excluded from senior class events.

Contact Alyssa Fisher at [email protected] or on Twitter, @alyssalfisher

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