Fairfield First Selectperson Issues Statement On Fairfield Prep Investigation Into Antisemitic Posts

FAIRFIELD, CT — Antisemitic social media posts, reportedly made by some Fairfield Prep students, have prompted an investigation by the private, all-boys Catholic high school, and a statement by Fairfield First Selectperson Christine Vitale condemning the posts.

The posts were directed toward the New Canaan High School hockey team, which played Fairfield Prep in the CIAC Division I championship last month. The posts, which have reportedly been deleted, were made before the game, which New Canaan won 3-1.

According to The New York Times, the school became aware of the vulgar posts, and has disciplined an undisclosed number of students. School officials also reportedly denounced the posts in a letter to the school community.

"Fairfield Prep condemns all forms of antisemitism, hate speech, racism and discrimination," wrote school President Dr. Christian J. Cashman and Principal Timothy G. Dee in a statement. "It has no place in our Jesuit, Catholic school, no place in our brotherhood, and no place in an Ignatian community that dedicates itself to the dignity of every person. It cannot and will not be tolerated."

School officials have held direct discussions with New Canaan High School leaders about the incident, stressing that the rhetoric is "not who we are, what we stand for, or what we teach."

Added school spokesperson Lauren Castagnola, "Fairfield Prep is aware of a recent incident involving offensive and antisemitic public social media posts involving a small number of individuals within the student body, and takes these matters seriously. Antisemitism is repugnant and antithetical to our values.

"Due to student privacy laws, we cannot comment on specific disciplinary processes and actions. This does not in any way lessen our commitment to publicly acknowledging when the actions of our students fall short of our high standards and expectations. We remain firmly committed to fostering a school environment that is safe, respectful, and inclusive for all.

"In the Jesuit tradition, we are called to form not only the intellect, but also the character of our students. Moments like this, as hurtful and humbling as they are, serve as important opportunities for critical learning and reflection.

"We will continue to engage our community, who come from all backgrounds and faiths, in thoughtful dialogue and education that promotes understanding, accountability, and respect for the dignity of every person."

In a statement released on Monday, Vitale said that it is "particularly heartbreaking" that this latest example of antisemitism involved teens.

"Sadly, this is not the first time that a high school sporting competition has led to behavior That is not only unsportsmanlike, but hateful and dangerous," Vitale wrote on Facebook (see the full statement below). "Antisemitism should never be dismissed as 'trash talk' between competing fans. We need to call it what it is, the deliberate targeting of our Jewish friends and neighbors. Even when it is in the context of banter between sporting rivals, it is wrong, absolutely unacceptable, and will not be tolerated in the Town of Fairfield."