Washington, D.C. | www.mpac.org | January 18, 2026— The Muslim Public Affairs Council condemns in the strongest terms the Islamophobic and anti-Palestinian hate graffiti discovered at Walt Whitman High School in Bethesda, Maryland. This was not harmless vandalism or a juvenile prank. It was a targeted act of intimidation and hate directed at Muslim, Arab, and Palestinian students, families, and the wider school community. When hate is brought onto school grounds, it threatens the safety of students, poisons the learning environment, and signals to entire communities that they are not welcome. That message must be rejected, and the individuals responsible must be held accountable.
MPAC is coordinating directly with Montgomery County Public Schools, Walt Whitman High School leadership, parents, and the Montgomery County Police Department as this investigation proceeds. Our immediate priority is the safety and well-being of Muslim, Arab, and Palestinian students who were directly targeted and who deserve to learn without fear. We are working with local partners to ensure impacted students and families have access to support, and that the school community receives clear guidance on reporting, safety procedures, and available resources as the district and law enforcement take the next steps.
To reinforce that accountability is non-negotiable, MPAC is increasing the additional reward by $3,000 for information that leads to the identification, arrest, and prosecution of those responsible. Combined with the Victims' Rights Foundation's contribution of $2,000, this brings the total additional reward funding to $5,000.
We urge anyone with information related to this incident to submit an anonymous tip through Crime Solvers of Montgomery County or by calling 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). Silence protects perpetrators, and the community deserves answers. Information that helps identify those responsible is essential to ensuring this conduct is addressed decisively and does not recur.
Our message to students and families is clear. You belong, you are valued, and you will not face hate alone. We call on community leaders, educators, and neighbors to stand together against bigotry and to affirm the safety and equal dignity of every student.
