Gesture made by students from one eastern MA school towards a student of color from another school sparks investigation

A gesture reportedly made by multiple students from one school towards a student of color from another school has caused an eastern Massachusetts high school to launch an investigation.

The following is a statement released by Medway Public Schools Superintendent Armand Pires and High School Principal John Murray:

“Medway High School administrators were notified Friday night, Dec. 9 by Wellesley High School of an incident that occurred following Friday’s girls’ varsity basketball game.

“It was reported that two Medway High School students knelt and raised their fists in the air – a gesture typically associated with racial justice movements – at a student of color from Wellesley as the student passed them. No words were exchanged.

“Upon receiving the report, we immediately launched an internal investigation into the matter. We have been in contact with our counterparts at Wellesley Public Schools throughout this process. We also contacted the Medway Police Department and reported the matter to the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA).

“Medway High School administrators have identified the individuals involved and are taking appropriate measures in partnership with the Wellesley schools to engage in restorative practices focused on repairing the harm caused by this incident and fostering reconciliation between our students and the victim.

“We work to create an atmosphere where all students – whether they attend Medway High School or are visiting our school – feel safe, supported and welcomed. This type of behavior is unacceptable and has no place in our schools, at school events or in our community.”