A racial slur was was found sometime last week at Middlesex Middle School. It was discovered three weeks after a similar slur had been found in the same Grade 6 girl’s bathroom.
Both times, according to Schools Superintendent Alan Addley, the slur was “the ‘N’ word.”
In an email Friday to parents and the school’s staff, Addley said: This incident follows a similar occurrence that we addressed just a few weeks ago. I am deeply troubled that we are facing these incidents, and it is frustrating to witness this persistent hatred and intolerance in our school community.
Addley said MMS administrators and Darien police were investigating the incident.
“I am deeply troubled that we are facing these incidents, and it is frustrating to witness this persistent hatred and intolerance in our school community,” Addley said in the announcement. We must collectively and firmly stand against these actions, and I ask for your continued support in making this clear to our students. […] I strongly encourage families to initiate conversations at home about kindness, respect, and the impact of language.”
Addley also said: “Every student deserves to feel safe and valued at school, and these acts of hate undermine that foundation. As always, the District and school is addressing this incident with urgency, ensuring that our response is thorough and transparent, so that every student feels welcome and respected.”
As part of the school’s education and programming about bigotry and vandalism, a “Superintendent’s Conversation” meeting is scheduled for parents across the school district at 6 p.m, Feb. 27, in the Middlesex Middle School auditorium. The Anti-Defamation League and the First Selectman’s Office are helping with the event, Addley said.
“This conversation will focus on antisemitism and the broader issue of hate speech,” the superintendent said.