The city of Toledo is investigating the discovery of a swastika and racial slur written on a notepad that was in a city work vehicle used by multiple employees

Thursday, April 19, 2018

Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz released the following statement today:

“We respect each other in Toledo, we welcome all people, and we stand up for one another. To say I condemn hate symbols like a swastika or racial slurs and anti-LGBT messages is an understatement. I abhor and detest such things. I am disgusted by what was found in a city truck. It is particularly troubling for all of us in city leadership that a swastika and racial slur was found written on a notepad in a city vehicle. We are investigating and rest assured, we will find out who did this and we will take strong action. Meanwhile, we will be talking to every employee in that city division about diversity training and sensitivity.”

The city is working to develop a citywide survey to assess work culture and how employees interact with each other.“The Kapszukiewicz administration is keenly aware that communities that embrace diversity, equality, and inclusion are more stable and economically-viable,” Toledo Chief of Staff Katy Crosby said. “We also recognize as public servants, we set the tone and example for our community, which is why we want to be thoughtful while addressing these situations.”

Ms. Crosby is working with community leaders to address diversity, equality, and inclusion issues.Toledo Councilwoman Yvonne Harper, who was made aware last night of the swastika and racial slur discovery, said she was outraged.

“This needs to be investigated and I am glad that is happening,” she said. “We are taking this very seriously and this is an ongoing process.”