Middletown Schools Investigate Racist Behavior of Student-Athletes

MIDDLETOWN, CT – Middletown Public Schools are investigating an apparent use of racist and anti-Semitic language by some Beman Middle School boys baseball team members.

Superintendent of Schools Alberto Vázquez Matos, through a letter, said during the week of April 24, some members of the baseball team violated board policies by using racist, anti-Semitic, and offensive language, vulgarity, and the sharing of insensitive and offensive images.

The Board’s prohibition of discrimination or harassment in its educational programs or activities expressly extends to academic, nonacademic and extracurricular activities, including athletics.

The baseball team will participate in a restorative circle to address the incident and help the student-athletes move forward.

Beman students will also be provided education and support related to diversity and inclusion to promote growth and 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 matter remains under investigation. Once the investigation is finalized, a recommendation will be made.