Fairfield's State Representatives Condemn Antisemitic Incident Involving Students

FAIRFIELD, CT — Fairfield's state Reps. Jennifer Leeper, Cristin McCarthy Vahey and Sarah Keitt are condemning the recent antisemitic incident involving students from Fairfield Prep toward hockey rivals.

In a statement released to Patch on Monday, the three Democratic representatives said such incidents are unacceptable.

"A Fairfield Prep spokesperson said that, 'Antisemitism is repugnant and antithetical to the Jesuit tradition,' and we agree," the three said in the joint statement. "Antisemitism and all forms of hate and bigotry destroy the civic and community spirit that creates the welcoming and vibrant Fairfield community we aspire to be. These actions hurt not only those involved, but the entire community, especially our Jewish neighbors, fellow students, and all who suffer as a result of such harmful and thoughtless behaviors."

Before Fairfield Prep faced off against New Canaan High School in the state hockey championship last month, several antisemitic social media posts were leveled by Prep students toward the New Canaan team, which prompted disciplinary action by Fairfield Prep officials. New Canaan won the game 3-1.

"As parents, community members, and legislators, we strongly condemn this destructive, hateful, and unacceptable behavior and stand in solidarity with all who are hurting as a result of these actions," the state legislatures said.

They continued, "There has been a 344 percent increase in antisemitic incidents in the last 5 years in the United States. And despite Connecticut's small population, our state had the eighth-highest rate of antisemitic incidents in K-12 schools. According to news reports, communication to school parents discussed having students reflect on personal accountability. Personal reflection must take place alongside structural accountability.

"In our roles as your representatives, we continue to take steps to address this crisis directly. In February, we passed a bill to establish a working group to address antisemitism in public schools because sadly, this incident and others like it have become too common. The bill includes antisemitism-related training, creating and providing curriculum materials and resources about antisemitism, Jewish heritage, and more.

"As March Madness concludes, we all know how fierce rivalries can be. No matter how strong the feelings are, behavior of this sort cannot be tolerated. Students, by definition, are learning. Jesuit educators around the world teach their students to be, 'Men and Women for others.' This is an opportunity to live those values by repairing the harms caused and find healing through action in our community and beyond."