ST. CHARLES COUNTY, Mo. – Racist graffiti in a high school sparked outrage in St. Charles County and now advocacy groups say they want to see follow-through.

A former Francis Howell High School custodian was charged with felony harassment motivated by discrimination and misdemeanor property damage. Advocacy groups say this should just be the start of action.

“Silence in the space of hate is not an option,” Zebrina Looney, St. Charles County NAACP, said.

Looney spoke out with other advocacy groups.

“What happened with this individual’s actions is part of a larger pattern,” Jamie Martin, Francis Howell Forward, said.

Racist and sexually violent graffiti found last month in Francis Howell High School was linked to 25-year-old former custodian Tyler Alan Carter.

“It is a mythology to think this only impacts Black students,” Heather Fleming, MO Equity Education Partnership, said. “It impacts all students when we have to dedicate time resources to fighting hate instead of educating our children.”

The school superintendent condemned the act, saying all students and staff deserve to feel safe and welcome at school. Advocacy groups want more action.

“It does not matter what side of the political spectrum you are on. It does not matter what your belief system is,” Fleming said. “It is about our kids.”

“Justice must not only be served, it must also been seen, trusted, and felt by those most impacted,” Looney said.

St. Charles County Prosecutor Joe McCulloch shares that view.

“Courtrooms are always open. They can come down here any time they want,” he said.

McCulloch explained the felony charge issued against Carter is a hate crime charge.

“In fact, his own statements indicate it was racially motivated, so I think that gives us, certainly, enough that we feel we can prove the case,” he said.

Court records indicated the school narrowed him down as a suspect and then Carter reportedly admitted not only doing it, but also allegedly admitted specifically targeting the black community.

Carter has a bond appearance set for next week. Court records also indicate he bonded out, paying 10% of a $50,000 bond.