Two Lynnfield town workers resign after racist remarks caught on hot mic before high school graduation
The town said its review of the matter is complete.
'As stated at the outset, the Town of Lynnfield leaders stand together in outrage over what occurred and continue to state emphatically that racist language and behavior has no place in our town, will not be tolerated, and will be dealt with immediately,' the statement said.
Officials had said previously that they were investigating after town workers setting up for the Lynnfield High School graduation on June 6 allegedly made racist remarks that were picked up by a microphone and livestreamed to the Internet, where they could be heard by any concerned listener with wifi.
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'During a live streaming of the Lynnfield High School graduation, town employees were overheard using inappropriate and racist words,' said town administrator Robert J. Dolan and assistant town administrator Robert E. Curtin
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The school system's
superintendent, police chief, and select board were informed of the reported comments,
'We, as town leaders, stand together in outrage over what has been reported this evening and wish to state emphatically that racist language and behavior has no place in our town and will be dealt with immediately,' Dolan and Curtin said.
School Committee member
'By now, hundreds of Lynnfield Public Schools students have heard these words. And just as importantly, they are now watching what we do next,'
Superintendent of Schools Tom Geary and School Committee Chair Kristen Elworthy said in a statement earlier this month they were outraged that students and parents were 'exposed to such harmful language.'
'We recognize that for many in our community this incident is deeply painful. We hear you, and we stand with you,' they said.
An excerpt of the live stream
shows at least three town workers setting up folding chairs on a football field and apparently engaging in a back-and-forth exchange of racist comments.
Dolan and Curtin said it was unfortunate that the exchange overshadowed the celebration.
'It is especially regrettable that this incident took place on what is and should be a night to celebrate our incredible seniors. Such incidents, however, must be confronted directly and openly and a full investigation and appropriate action will be taken,' they
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Material from prior Globe stories was used in this report.
Travis Andersen can be reached at
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