BRIGHTON, N.Y. — School leaders and Brighton police are investigating after they say racist graffiti was found in a bathroom at Our Lady of Mercy School on Monday.

The message uses the N-word, telling students to "get out or else." 

Students at the school rallied in support of each other Tuesday morning.

School leaders called it an atrocious act that upset students, faculty and staff.

"To see something like this is not typical, this is not what happens at Mercy," said Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer Linda Dickey. "And I think that's what's been so surprising and that's why we've all come together because this is not who we are."

"To see the girls rallying around in support of one another, showing their sisterhood in a way that counteracts the cruel and hateful message that we saw on that wall," said Principal Martin Kilbridge.

School officials are now working with Brighton police to investigate this as a hate crime.

In a note to parents, leaders say those who use this type of language are not welcome at Mercy. They say counselors are available for any students and they're planning to hold assemblies this week to talk about what happened.

Leaders meanwhile are asking anyone with any information to come forward.