Framingham High Principal Issues Email on Anti-Semitic Locker Room Incident

Framingham High School Principal Elyse Torbert issued an email to parents and students this morning, Dec. 17 about the anti-semitic Thanksgiving Day locker room incident involving football players.

Framingham Patch first reported about the incident earlier this week.

Below is the full text of her email:

“Many of you are aware that there was a very serious incident that took place in the boys locker room prior to the Thanksgiving day football game. On November 26th several members of the football team were dressing in the locker room preparing for their game. One student commented on another student’s haircut comparing it to that of Hitler’s. A few moments later, students were dancing to music and two students made a gesture in regards to “Heil Hitler”. All four of these students were teammates throughout the season and have acknowledged each other as friends.

“While this behavior is extremely offensive and directly violates Framingham High School’s core values, students’ motivations were not destructive or malicious. In response to this behavior, Framingham High School has attempted to make this incident into an educational moment. We have met with all students involved to educate them about the seriousness of using racially charged statements. During this meeting, students were given the opportunity to share their perspectives and express their feelings. The goal of this meeting was to teach students a lesson of sensitivity, empathy and respect. All students left with a greater recognition that diversity is the strength of Framingham High School. School consequences have also been given to students who were involved. Administration has spoken to the parents of the young man who was offended and they have expressed satisfaction with the way that Framingham High School has responded to this incident.”