by AP, 10/17/2017

“A recent graduate of a Vermont high school is charged with a hate crime after being accused of spray-painting an athletic field with a racial slur directed at a classmate who pushed the school to drop its “Rebels” nickname.

The Burlington Free Press reports that 18-year-old Tyler Austin faces a charge of disorderly conduct with a hate crime enhancement.

Police had declined to bring a hate crime charge because the June 5 vandalism was a property crime against South Burlington High School, not against an individual. But the prosecutor says the message targeted an individual and was motivated by race.”

Full Article:

https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/vermont/articles/2017-10-16/18-year-old-charged-with-hate-crime-for-high-school-graffiti