Racial Slur Found Written On Playground At Darien Elementary School: Superintendent

DARIEN, CT — A racial slur was found written on a playground pole at Hindley Elementary School last week, according to Superintendent of Darien Public Schools Dr. Alan Addley.

In his weekly communication to families last Friday, Addley said the slur — the "n-word" — was written on the pole sometime between the night of Oct. 2 and the night of Oct. 3.

"This kind of language is deeply offensive, hurtful, and has no place in our schools or community. We take this matter very seriously," Addley wrote. "As a District, we are dedicated to fostering an environment where every student feels safe, valued, and respected. Acts of hate and intolerance are unacceptable, and we are committed to addressing such situations with urgency and transparency."

As part of its regular duty, Addley said the Darien Police Department continues to patrol Hindley and the other school campuses.

"We encourage you to join us in having developmentally appropriate conversations at home about the importance of kindness, inclusion, and the impact of words," Addley added. "Together, we can continue to build a school community where every student thrives in an atmosphere of respect and understanding."