LONGMEADOW – The Feb. 4 meeting of the Longmeadow Coalition for Racial Justice Task Force was interrupted by one or more individuals “Zoom-bombing” the proceedings and yelling racial slurs. The intruders scrawled a swastika and wrote derogatory language on the screen before leaving.

“This is one of the many examples of how racism is alive and well in Longmeadow,” The task force said in a statement posted to social media. It continued, “LARC (Longmeadow Anti-Racism Coalition) emphatically condemns the actions of these individuals who cowardly chose to spew their hate during a meeting that is tasked with fighting racism in our town.”

Task Force Chair Zach Verriden described the purpose of the committee as “developing specific recommendations to deliver to the Select Board to promote a more equitable, inclusive and anti-racist Longmeadow.” The committee’s charter states that it must finish its purpose no later than March 31 and Verriden said that he sees no reason for that deadline not to be met.

While the hate speech may not have had a chilling effect on the group’s work, the logistics of preventing similar actions in the future are being worked on.

“The challenge for us, as a public entity that has purposefully set itself up to invite public comments, hopefully we can strike a balance,” Verriden said of continuing to allow the public to interact with committee members. “All other public participation has been useful and welcome.”

Verriden reported the incident to Longmeadow Police Chief Robert Stocks, an investigation has been opened.

“What was perpetrated and hate speech and potentially criminal,” Verriden said. He emphasized that there is no difference between the actions taken during the meeting and people with banners yelling racist remarks at the group in person.