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CBS News
a day ago
- CBS News
Workers' "racist words" caught on high school graduation live stream, Massachusetts town says
An unknown number of employees were placed on administrative leave after they were allegedly captured on a live stream making racist remarks while setting up for a Massachusetts high school graduation. It happened Friday ahead of the Lynnfield High School graduation. A camera was set up to stream the ceremony for people at home to watch. The feed was rolling with audio and video while town workers could be seen setting up chairs. Lynnfield High School graduation According to a statement by the Lynnfield Town Administrator Robert Dolan and Assistant Town Administrator Robert Curtin, the workers can be heard "using inappropriate and racist words." The remarks were heard by people who were waiting to watch the graduation, the town said. In the statement, the town officials said the employees have been identified and placed on administrative leave, pending a full investigation. "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 statement 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." Lynnfield School Committee member response The town did not specify how many employees have been placed on leave or identify them. School Committee member Jamie Hayman issued a statement following the incident. "We can't ignore the fact that this incident took place at a school event and students were watching. By now, hundreds of Lynnfield Public Schools students have heard these words. And just as importantly, they are now watching what we do next," Hayman said. "If we treat this only as a personnel issue, we miss a critical opportunity, to lead, to grow, and to teach. We must show our students that their community stands firmly against hate and discrimination." No further information is currently available.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Town employees placed on leave after racist remarks heard on Lynnfield High School grad. livestream
An unknown number of town employees of Lynnfield have been placed on administrative leave after racist language was heard during a livestream of the Lynnfield High School graduation on Friday. In a statement released by Town Administrator Robert J. Dolan and Assistant Town Administrator Robert E. Curtin, they said: At 7 p.m. this evening I was informed that, during a live streaming of the Lynnfield High School graduation, town employees were overheard using inappropriate and racist words. This video and audio feed was seen and heard by people waiting to watch the graduation. The individuals in the video have been identified and I have placed them on administrative leave pending a full investigation of the video and any other evidence. The Select Board, Superintendent of Schools and Police Chief have all been informed of the allegations and we shall begin the investigation immediately. 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. 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. Boston 25 has reached out to the Lynnfield Superintendent and Lynnfield School Committee for comment, but has yet to hear back. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
Boston Globe
25-02-2025
- Politics
- Boston Globe
Post MCAS, here's how the state proposes measuring graduation readiness
Here's what to know: State would require students to pass specific classes Massachusetts law requires all students to demonstrate their competency to graduate high school. To meet this so-called 'competency determination,' students since 2003 had been required to pass 10th grade MCAS exams. Related : Advertisement That changed in November, with Now, the state education department is proposing a new way for students to demonstrate their competency and, thus, meet state-level expectations. Under the department's proposed regulatory changes, presented at Tuesday's board meeting, the state would for the first time require students to master specific coursework. Specifically, students, beginning with the class of 2026, would be required to satisfactorily complete at least the following classes: two years of high school English Language Arts Algebra I and Geometry or Integrated Math I and II one year of biology, physics, chemistry, or technology/engineering In addition, the students in the class of 2026 and beyond also would need to show 'mastery' in those classes. Students can demonstrate mastery, according to the proposed regulation, through an end-of-course exam, portfolio of work, or an equivalent measure determined by a local district. The proposed regulation adds US history as a required course and area of mastery for students beginning with the class of 2027. State: Changes would restore equity Some advocates in the wake of Question 2 worried the lack of a uniform graduation requirement could lead to inequitable student learning experiences. Related : Robert Curtin, chief officer for data, assessment, and accountability for the department, said the state's proposed regulations are intended to provide a 'minimum level of equity across districts.' Advertisement The new competency determination would serve as a baseline graduation standard for all students in the state and would apply in conjunction with a local district's graduation requirements. For example, a local district also may require students to pass two years of a foreign language. Critics of the proposed regulation, though, argue it isn't rigorous enough. A coalition of advocacy groups, including the Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education and the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, is calling on the department to incorporate G.P.A. requirements into the regulation, for example. Fight over MCAS scores continues Under the department's proposal, students without access to traditional transcripts, such as migrant or homeschooled students, could use a passing MCAS score to satisfy the state-level competency determination. The advocacy groups say all students should have that opportunity — an option backed during Tuesday's meeting by vice chair Matt Hills, of Newton. The state's largest teachers union, meanwhile, said the continued use of MCAS scores in determining a student's fate 'would undermine the goal of Question 2, which was to promote more authentic teaching and learning.' 'What we learned during the Question 2 campaign from students, educators and families is that they want schools that focus on the critical thinking skills and academic foundations that matter, and not on test prep,' Massachusetts Teachers Association President Max Page and Vice President Deb McCarthy said in a joint statement. Related : The state board on Tuesday agreed to present the department's formal proposal for public feedback. But it will also ask, at Hill's request, that the public weigh in on whether MCAS scores should be included as an option for the competency determination. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is accepting public comments on the proposed regulations through April 4. The state education board is scheduled to issue a final vote on the regulations on May 5. Advertisement Mandy McLaren can be reached at
