‘I'm not feeling seen': Racist graduation remarks highlight earlier concerns brought to officials

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2 days ago

Parents and students in Lynnfield have raised concerns about how the town's schools address race — from the limited portrayal of Black history to reports of racism among students. Now, officials are being forced to confront those concerns after 'inappropriate' remarks were made during a high school graduation livestream.
Lynnfield town employees could be heard using 'inappropriate and racist words' during a graduation livestream Friday. The video has since been remove but was seen and heard by people waiting to watch the Lynnfield High School graduation on Friday.
The people in the video have been placed on administrative leave during the investigation, town officials said.
'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,' a statement by the town read on Facebook.
The video was of people setting up chairs on the football field prior to the ceremony. At least two racist words can be heard clearly, Itemlive reported.
'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,' the town's statement continued.
Select Board member Alexis Leahy spoke out against the comments and thanked the town administration for acting quickly.
'Discrimination not only undermines the values of equity and justice that a community is built upon, but it also divides us at a time when unity and understanding are more important than ever,' she wrote.
Jamie Hayman of the school committee also spoke out stating that hundreds of students have now heard these words.
'And just as importantly, they are now watching what we do next. If we treat this only as a personnel issue, we miss a critical opportunity, to lead, to grow, and to teach,' he said.
But it isn't the first time this issue has been brought up to the school board committee this year.
On June 3, the school committee hearing prior to graduation, a parent, Carl Allien, told the committee that his son was dealing with 'some incidents' as an African-American.
The school's principal had called Allien about 'some of the harsh things that my son has been enduring.' Although he did not provide any specifics, he said it wasn't about any specific person and asked for a meeting with the superintendent about these issues.
'... it's been challenging for a young African-American kid in the schools,' he said. 'I'm struggling right now.'
Two school board members encouraged Allien to leave his contact information with the district secretary for further conversation.
In February, Joseph Dixon and his mother, Wendy, went in front of the committee to urge them to have better education and celebration of Black history.
'I'm not feeling seen,' Wendy Dixon said her son told her.
Joseph Dixon said during his years at Lynnfield public schools, he has not seen Black history talked about beyond slavery and Martin Luther King Jr.
'We should learn about the many things that black people have contributed to our society and not just the struggle and hurt that they've been through,' he told the committee.
He also encouraged education on other cultures too.
'I agree with you that we can do better,' Superintendent Tom Geary said. 'Thank you for being willing to speak. It's something we will talk about administratively on how to move forward with that.'
Another school board committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday. Public comment is available.
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Read the original article on MassLive.