'Welcome to Racist Lewiston' Flyer Sparks Concern

To be fair to the town of Lewiston, I want to begin by sharing a statement from The Lewiston-Porter Central School District:

"While we wish that in this day and age that we would not have to address such a vile issue, it is clear that this ugliness is still prevalent not only in our community, but across our country. We are appreciative of the people who have reached out to us to share their thoughts and concerns.
We want to assure you that this hatred will not be tolerated at our district. We will continue to foster a climate of respect, acceptance and inclusion for all and we will not stand for this. Be assured that as a district and a community that we will accept this challenge and hopefully come out stronger in the end."

Also, it may be a bit hard to read, but this is a Press Release from The Lewiston-Porter Central School District:

Press Release

Swastikas and the words 'Welcome to Racist Lewiston' and 'spring membership drive' left in some driveways around the Lewiston-Porter Community have sparked outrage among some Lewiston residents and it's local government and School District, according to news reports.

The Flyers, according to reports, seem to target the Lewiston - Porter School District's staff and basketball team and were printed on a single piece of paper with the words 'Aryan Revival' at the top of each flyer. The rest of the flyer is reported as saying this:

"more blacks on the basketball team than Lew-Port teachers;" "more blacks on the basketball team than Lewiston residents;" and "If you can't play basketball, stay out of Lewiston."
"Lewiston residents interested in becoming members of the Aryan Revival please contact (a telephone number that is not in service)."

According to the news report, the School District issued a statement saying that they have contacted the school attorney. Law enforcement regarding the flyer also offered this statement:

"Should we discover the author of this filth, we will seek damages to the fullest extent of the law."

Lewiston Police Chief Frank Previte said this regarding the Flyer, according to reports:

"It's not advocating any type of belief system or thought," he said. "It’s more calling this area racist than calling somebody to racism."

The report also quotes District Superintendent Paul Casseri, who was abroad in China (according to the news report) on a promotional trip for the schools but was reached by telephone Thursday...saying this:

"I am absolutely upset about and sickened by it," he said, describing the flyer as an attempt to label the town a "racist community."

Here's a full account of what the Flyer looked like according to a Niagara Gazette report:

The flyer was printed on a single sheet of paper. In large black letters at the top of the page are the words "Aryan Revival." Immediately below the text are swastikas and the phrases: "Welcome to Racist Lewiston" and "spring membership drive."
Farther down the page are three statements: "more blacks on the basketball team than Lew-Port teachers;" "more blacks on the basketball team than Lewiston residents;" and "If you can't play basketball, stay out of Lewiston."
"Lewiston residents interested in becoming members of the Aryan Revival please contact (a telephone number that is not in service)," the flyer said.
At the bottom of the page, amid other statements, is a manipulated image of what appears to be a cotton field in which African-Americans are standing near basketballs. In the background of the image is the figure of Adolf Hitler performing a Nazi Party salute, a basketball hoop and a sign, reading, "Lewiston-Porter High School."

The Lewiston-Porter Central School District issued this statement:
Interestingly, this is not the 1st time the same rhetoric has been distributed around the Lewiston area. Materials, containing what the news story says is the exact same font used in "White Lives Matter" documentation that was distributed in 2017

WATCH:

‘Welcome to Racist Lewiston’ Flyer Sparks Concern

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