Westport Superintendent responds to alleged racism at football game
WESTPORT — Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice has issued a statement after allegations of anti-Semitism and racebased hate at a football game between Staples and Cheshire high schools.
Scarice said that following the Friday night game he was made aware of “a number of social media posts alleging anti-Semitic and racist actions and comments directed towards Staples players and students during the Staples/ Cheshire High School football game in Cheshire.”
Scarice went on to say that Cheshire school officials and Cheshire police are investigating the incident.
Cheshire school officials could not be reached immediately by Hearst Connecticut Media. Cheshire police declined to comment.
“We are all committed to cooperating, investigating, and addressing this matter,” Scarice said. “It is necessary for the school administrations, and police departments when necessary, to gather facts before taking punitive action.”
He went on to say that action will be taken regardless of the outcome of the investigations.
“If we confirm acts of anti-Semitism or racebased hate, we will assertively act. If there are misunderstandings, we will work together to learn from these events,” Scarice said.
He also issued a warning to be cautious when dealing with this issue on social media.
“Given the volatility of social media, I caution all members of the community to take a measured approach in addressing matters such as these,” Scarice said.
Westport’s school administration plans to continue its investigation and will follow up at the end of the day on Monday. They ask that if you were present at the game and have information of any acts of antiSemitism or race-based hate, to please contact the Staples administration.