Montreal police are actively investigating an incident of vandalism that targeted Royal West Academy in Montreal West early Wednesday morning, with graffiti appearing to reference the recent suspension of a student for social media posts critical of Israel.
School Property Damaged in Overnight Incident
The vandalism occurred around 12:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, according to Montreal police spokesperson Const. Jean-Pierre Brabant. Unknown individuals spray-painted the words "Suspension?? Fight BACK" on an exterior wall of the school and damaged glass on a door at the Ainslie Street entrance.
Police are currently examining security camera footage from the school and surrounding homes and businesses to identify those responsible. No arrests have been made as investigators work to determine the motive and perpetrators behind the destructive act.
Connection to Student Suspension
The vandalism appears connected to the recent suspension of a Royal West Academy student who posted messages critical of Israel on her private Instagram account. The student had expressed outrage at Israel's actions in Gaza and repeated controversial claims about the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks.
Const. Brabant confirmed police are aware of the suspension and said "That person will probably be questioned about it to see if there is any link. At this moment we are looking at all hypotheses to see who did it."
Mother Condemns Vandalism
Tina Vibert, the suspended student's mother, learned about the vandalism through messages from a teacher and her daughter. Despite the graffiti seemingly expressing support for her daughter's situation, Vibert strongly condemned the destructive actions.
"I don't support it," Vibert stated. "I don't condone it. If anyone thought they were doing something to help (my daughter) … this is counterproductive to our message."
Vibert described her daughter as an honour student involved in extracurricular activities like band who has been struggling with anxiety since her suspension. The teenager has received both supportive and hateful comments from peers and feels betrayed by the school administration.
School and Board Response
The English Montreal School Board (EMSB) issued a statement condemning the vandalism as "unacceptable acts that undermine the safety, integrity and respect our learning community deserves."
Royal West principal Tony Pita notified parents that the administration "takes this matter very seriously" and has implemented several measures in response:
- Reporting the incident to police
- Requesting extra security from Montreal West Public Security and EMSB
- Making guidance counsellors available to students
- Keeping student service professionals on call as needed
Vibert expressed disappointment that while the school offered support to students upset by the vandalism, no similar support was extended to her daughter following the suspension. "Where was my daughter's support? No support was offered to us whatsoever," she said.
Ongoing Legal Process
The suspended student and her family maintain that the school had no right to punish her for expressing political opinions on a private social media account. They argue the suspension breaches the teen's freedom of expression rights and are filing a complaint with the Quebec Human Rights and Youth Rights Commission.
Vibert has informed the school that any requests to interview her daughter about the vandalism must go through their lawyer. "Until they have examined the videos and done their due diligence, they have no reason to interview her," she explained.
The incident highlights the ongoing tensions at Royal West Academy since the student's suspension and raises questions about how schools should handle off-campus political expression by students.
