Last week, Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice sent a message to the community about videos being shared by students on social media.
Federal privacy laws prevented him from providing details.
Rumors swirled, as adults then took to social media. A number of readers contacted Scarice and “06880,” asking why the local media was not covering an incident that was offered as “fact,” but was actually based on misinformation.
Yesterday, Scarice offered this follow-up message:
Over the weekend, I heard from a number of school community members who expressed serious concerns about a video, created outside of school, that has been circulating among families and over social media.
Today, I have reached out and spoken to most of those community members who contacted me. I will not be able to call each one so I will provide the following information.
I cannot share specific information about student matters because of federal student privacy laws. However, given the circumstances and level of anxiety, I will share the following:
Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice.
First, I want to reiterate what I stated in community messages on October 9 and 13: “Categorically together with you, the Westport Public Schools stand against, and condemn, all forms of hate and violence.”
Without question, the Westport Public Schools condemns antisemitism and all other forms of hate.
The circulated video in question was created before October 7, 2023. It was not a re-enactment of the atrocities in Israel that began after its creation.
It was an appalling, distressing video that was addressed swiftly and firmly by the administration, in collaboration with the Westport Police Department, after it was brought to our attention.
The school administration, and the Westport police, in consultation with the state’s attorney’s office, investigated the video in question and could not substantiate any threat directed to specific Jewish people or to the Jewish population more generally, nor that the video targeted any Jewish person.
These points do not minimize that the video in question is disturbing and has caused hurt and upset to those who have viewed it. Its circulation at this moment in time is especially painful.
I want to assure the community that we do not tolerate this behavior, that we are addressing this matter, and that we address all matters in ways that are appropriate and sensitive to all students and community members involved.
As always, if you have any information of hate-based conduct, please make a report to the building administration.
