Good afternoon,
This past Friday, Warde families were informed about an incident which occurred on social media during school involving racist behavior. Those involved were identified and the situation was addressed with them and their families. There was additional follow-up with Warde students and staff to reinforce that discrimination and racism will not be tolerated. A subsequent incident involving both Warde and Ludlowe students occurred over the weekend. Again, there was an investigation, those involved were identified, and appropriate actions were taken.
In response to other events this year, I have restated Fairfield Public Schools' commitment to equity and our unequivocal condemnation of racist actions, behavior, or speech. Once again, we stand against intolerance and continue to work to ensure that all in our community are treated with respect and dignity. Above all, we commit to listening, to promptly and fully investigating, and to addressing allegations of racist behavior, actions, policies, or practices in our school system.
We take these incidents very seriously and those involved are being held accountable in accordance with Board policy (5114) regarding school discipline. In the interest of student privacy, we do not release any details of the incidents, the disciplinary process, or the consequences imposed. Support is available for anyone impacted by these events.
As we continue our equity work as a district, we recognize that this is a journey, not a destination. There will be missteps along the way, and while we are extremely disturbed by these incidents, they provide learning that can and will infom our work.
Together, as a community, we can move forward and make progress.
Take care,
Mike
Michael Cummings Superintendent of Schools