Student Identified After Swastikas Found at Mira Costa High School, District Confirms

Manhattan Beach Unified School District officials say they have identified and disciplined the student responsible for antisemitic graffiti discovered earlier this year at Mira Costa High School. The incidents, involving swastikas drawn inside a boys’ bathroom stall, prompted concern among students, parents, and staff and led to a district investigation.

According to district officials, the matter has been addressed at the school level, while broader education and prevention efforts are continuing across the campus and district.

Discovery

The first incident was reported on April 30, when a student found multiple swastikas drawn inside a handicap-accessible stall in a boys’ bathroom at Mira Costa High School. A second report was made on May 8, documenting another swastika in the same stall, according to reporting by MB News.

School administrators were notified, and the district began an investigation shortly after the initial report.

Investigation

Manhattan Beach Unified School District Superintendent John Bowes informed parents via email that the investigation led to the identification of a student responsible for the graffiti. Bowes stated that appropriate disciplinary action was taken, but noted that student privacy laws prevent the district from sharing further details.

As part of the investigation, officials reviewed surveillance footage and conducted interviews with students. The district also coordinated with local law enforcement during the process.

Law Enforcement

The Manhattan Beach Police Department continues to accept information related to the case. Officials encourage anyone with relevant details to contact the department’s anonymous tip line at (310) 802-5171, a number listed in public releases by the City of Manhattan Beach.

Police have not released additional information regarding potential criminal charges, and district officials indicated that school discipline related to the incident is complete.

District Actions

MBUSD has taken several formal steps in recent years aimed at addressing antisemitism and bias on campus. In 2022, the school board adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working definition of antisemitism through a formal resolution.

The district has also incorporated Art Spiegelman’s graphic novel Maus into the middle school curriculum and established partnerships with organizations such as the Museum of Tolerance, Holocaust Museum LA, and the Anti-Defamation League. These partnerships support staff training and student programs, including participation in the No Place for Hate initiative, according to district BoardDocs records.

Community Context

The recent graffiti incidents occurred against the backdrop of earlier antisemitic vandalism reported in Manhattan Beach in 2022. At that time, multiple incidents across school campuses and public spaces prompted city officials and school leaders to expand policies, education, and community outreach efforts. Regional coverage documented the response and subsequent measures taken by local institutions.

That history contributed to heightened concern within the community following the discovery of the swastikas at Mira Costa High School.

Next Steps

District officials say the disciplinary process related to the identified student has concluded. However, MBUSD plans to continue working with community partners on education, prevention, and campus climate initiatives.

Parents and residents seeking updates are encouraged to follow district communications. Officials also remind community members that the Manhattan Beach Police Department’s anonymous tip line remains available for anyone with information related to the incidents.

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