Another Important Notice

Good evening,

I have received many emails following my post last evening.  Please understand, this situation occurred on Friday night.  We immediately spoke to as many parties as possible to collect information regarding the game. We have also spoken to some of the student spectators and have more interviews to take place.  I understand that using the term “racially charged” was unclear to some people and has caused concerns as to whether or not it was too general of a categorization.  Students in the student section were clearly heard saying things like  “pineapple head” because of the player’s hairstyle, “you need to hit the gym” which is a form of body-shaming, and “what does it feel like to be the only black player on the team” which is clearly racist.  This taunting and harrassing language is not in line with our school’s mission statement, which highlights a safe school environment and acceptance.  The individuals responsible for making these comments will be held accountable.

I have been in contact with the leadership of Wayland High School and we will continue to collaborate to best support their students as well as our students who were impacted by this behavior.  Members of both our school DEI Team as well as the DEI Committee for the Town of Westford have been reaching out to provide support as we work to get to the heart of the matter. 

The reason for the removal of student spectators for two games is because Mr. Bunyon, our athletic director, specifically addressed the entire student section prior to the game. His comments were to “be positive, wear your masks,  do not address individual players or the referees, cheer for your own team,  have fun, and be respectful”.  This was not the end result. 

Please know, as we continue our investigation, there will be additional disciplinary action for some individuals that were in attendance at the game on Friday night, and or more removal of student spectators at athletic events.  

I was extremely disheartened to hear from my athletic director on Friday night following the game.  I understand you may disagree with this decision, but the message needs to be very clear.  This hurtful, hateful language and behavior is in direct contrast to our core values and beliefs and can not be tolerated. This is not who we aspire to be as a school community and we need our students to be upstanders: a person who speaks or acts in support of an individual or cause, particularly someone who intervenes on behalf of a person that is being bullied.  

Again, I encourage  you to have a conversation with your student so that we can learn from this situation and embrace one another for our individuality. 

Respectfully, Jim Antonelli