SCHOOL BOARD CHIEF QUITS
Loconto resigns after ‘racist’ comment caught on hot mic
Boston School Committee Chairman Michael Loconto has stepped down after reportedly mocking Asian Americans during a marathon school committee meeting which prompted immediate calls for his resignation.
Mayor Martin Walsh said he accepted Loconto’s resignation, which was delivered Thursday morning, “While he conveyed to me his personal embarrassment and his desire to seek forgiveness, his comments were hurtful and wrong.”
Walsh said, “Michael is someone who has done important and difficult work for the people of Boston, and especially our children, but we cannot accept the disparagement of members of our community.”
Loconto appeared to have been mocking Asian names during a Wednesday night school committee meeting, prompting angry tweets and quick condemnation.
The meeting took place via Zoom during which time members can mute and unmute their microphones.
“Mr. Loconto’s behavior last night was unacceptable. I’m deeply appalled, personally offended, by his words. I watched & heard it live. It is unconscionable that he would mock & disparage our families. Our school communities & our City deserve more. It’s time for his resignation,” said Boston City Councilor Annissa Essaibi-George on Twitter.
Boston City Councilor and mayoral candidate Michelle Wu also called for Loconto to step down.
“As someone who has dealt with comments like this my entire life, I am deeply disturbed but not surprised. These comments are unacceptable,” said Wu.
She added, “Names are fundamental to people’s identity and culture and pride as a community, and yet names have also been historically weaponized for racist rhetoric.”
Boston City Councilor and mayoral candidate Andrea Campbell joined calls for Loconto’s resignation as well, along with Lydia Edwards, Ricardo Arroyo, City Council President Kim Janey and State Rep. Ed Coppinger, D-Boston.
Later in Wednesday’s meeting, Loconto made an apology, saying he was referring to a children’s book when he made the comment.
He again harkened back to the apology during the meeting saying, “If I offended anyone I’m mortified.”
Loconto said, “I don’t want to be a distraction to anyone.”
Loconto shared yet another apology on Thursday via Twitter that said in part, “It was not ever my intention to mock anyone. I know what was in my head and my heart but I make no excuses.”
School committee bylaws state that the vice chair, which is currently Alexandra Oliver-Davila, will take over Loconto’s responsibilities until a new chair is appointed by Walsh.