Middletown, CT – The school district is investigating an incident involving members of the middle school baseball team during which some athletes used “racist” language and shared “offensive” images, according to a letter to the community from the superintendent and principal.
The correspondence, written by Superintendent of Schools Alberto Vazquez-Matos and Beman Middle School Principal Raymond Byron, said some students violated Board of Education policies during the week of April 24, as well as behavior requirements of student-athletes.
It is unclear where, when and under what circumstances the alleged violations took place.
The students alleged conduct included the use of “racist, antisemitic, and offensive language, vulgarity, and the sharing of insensitive and offensive images,” the two administrators said.
The matter is being looked into, and a recommendation will be made once the process is complete, Vazquez-Matos and Byron wrote.
Over the next few days, the letter said, the district will be conducting restorative measures to address the incident.
During these “circles,” those involved in such instances, including victims, offenders, community members, families and school officials, sit in a group in an attempt to talk about a conflict in hopes of arriving at a resolution, Middletown Youth Services Coordinator Justin Carbonella has told The Press.
Also, all Beman students will be provided education and support related to diversity and inclusion, the message continued.
“Our goal is to promote growth, and a greater understanding by the members of the team and school community regarding what constitutes discrimination or harassment, and the impact it can have on others,” the schools chief and principal wrote.
“We will also help the student-athletes to move forward,” they said. “We appreciate your support in guiding our student-athletes to become the best version of themselves.”
“Middletown Public Schools takes matters of this nature very seriously,” Communications Director Jessie Lavorgna said Thursday afternoon. “As is the case with all open investigations, we won’t comment nor discuss this matter further.”
