More racist notes found in Vernon, this time near a high school

More racist notes similar to the ones that were found near Vernon schools on Orange Shirt Day this week were discovered near a Vernon high school this morning.

Vernon resident Patrick Vance said he found the notes at roughly 6:30 a.m. today, Oct. 2, outside his home on 15 Street near Vernon Secondary School. They contained messages about white supremacist and anti-semitic websites.

Vance said the notes were in an area where students typically arrive at school. He collected a handful of the notes and gave them to a staff member at the school.

He said he gets up early in the morning and usually browses the web or does some reading, adding he may do that in his truck on the street instead.

"This needs to stop,” Vance said.

Hundreds of the notes were found scattered around Vernon schools on Orange Shirt Day, Sept. 30. The day commemorates the residential school experience, to witness and honour the healing journey of Indigenous survivors and their families, and to commit to the ongoing process of reconciliation.

READ MORE: Hundreds of notes linked to racist website found scattered at Vernon schools

Vernon Mayor Victor Cumming released a statement yesterday denouncing the notes.

"I am disheartened and deeply sorry about the events that took place in our community," he said. "Even more concerning is that these notes were strewn about near schools – a place where children and families are meant to feel safe and supported."

READ MORE: Vernon mayor 'disheartened, deeply sorry' racist notes found near schools

Vernon RCMP continue to investigate.

Anyone with information that could assist the police are asked to call the Vernon detachment at 250-545-7171, or remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

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