A Springfield High School teacher claims she is a victim of a hate crime after the letters KKK were spray painted on her mailbox.

The day began with an early morning phone call from Gerlonda Hardin’s niece April18.

“She said you may want to come out and take a look at your mailbox,” said Hardin.

WATCH GERLONDA HARDIN’S STORY HERE

The mailbox was not only vandalized, the letters KKK were spray-painted on one side. Hardin told us the vandalism is beyond a prank.

“I think it’s a group of people or person who has done this. They knew that a black person lived here,” said Hardin.

Hardin, who teaches business at Springfield High School, bought the house in the mostly white neighborhood a year ago.She said she has never experienced racial hatred before.Now she feels frightened and hurt.

“There are still some cruel people, cruel things in the world. Living in the 21st century, it’s funny that things like that still float around,” said Hardin.

The incident has also changed Hardin in one particular way.

“It will make me more protective of my 19-month-old daughter. I don’t want to, but when we come out to play, I probably will look more over my shoulder,” said Hardin.

Hardin filed a report with the Springfield Police Department. She said police have promised more patrols in the neighborhood.