Some of the graffiti included a number of swastikas, the word "Trump," and profanity.
Traditionally, the rock has been a place for students to display messages to the student body and wider community, which Harvard School Superintendent Linda Dwight described as “always very respectful.”
“That rock is pretty focal to the town, so whoever put those messages on there wanted people to see it, wanted their hate to be visible. That is very disturbing,” she said.
The good news
In response to the defaced landmark, the community immediately rallied in support and solidarity, standing up against racism and hate speech. Local church pastors came together, writing a letter to local newspapers and media. The boulder was painted over on Thanksgiving weekend by a crew of about 40 volunteers. And a candlelight vigil was organized, at which clergy, community members, and Bromfield school students spoke.
If you'd like to get a very encouraging glimpse of how the youth of our country are responding to events like this, here's a link to a Facebook video that appears to be going "viral" (as you folks in this amazing 21st century like to say), featuring some of the remarks of two remarkable high school students who spoke at the Candlelight Vigil on December 4th: https://www.facebook.com/uugroton/videos/1267967566593787/
Your humble servant,
B.Franklin