Taunton High School staff member put on leave after racial slur allegation

TAUNTON –Superintendent John Cabral made the following statement and addressing it to the members of the Taunton Public Schools community.

“Last night, I was made aware of an incident this fall in which a staff member at Taunton High School allegedly used a racial slur in remarks toward a student. Upon learning of this incident, I ordered the launch of an investigation.

“Taunton High School Interim Principal Scott Holcomb yesterday became aware of an incident in the past month in which a non-teaching staff member allegedly used a racial slur in remarks with a Taunton High School student. Principal Holcomb immediately reported this information to me, and a district-level investigation was initiated.

“The staff member who is accused of using the racial slur has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of our investigation.

“We are also considering retaining an outside consultant to conduct an independent administrative review concurrent to the district’s current investigation to provide a holistic third-party timeline of the events that occurred and to conduct a thorough analysis of the district’s policies to help guide the district moving forward.

“There is no place for racially insensitive language in the Taunton Public Schools. I take all allegations of this nature seriously and am committed to conducting a full and thorough review.

“A core value of the Taunton Public Schools is to foster an environment at all of our schools that is accepting and inclusive of its community members. We have worked hard to promote a progressive and inclusive school system, and our efforts will be undeterred.

“Additional updates regarding this incident will be shared with the community pending the outcome of the investigation.”