Racist Email Sent To Fairfield School Staff

FAIRFIELD, CT — Staff at a Fairfield middle school received a racist email from an outside party over the weekend, according to the principal.

Families of Fairfield Woods Middle School students were notified Monday about the incident in a message from Principal Colleen Banick.

“This outside party has no affiliation with either FWMS, Fairfield Public Schools or the Town (of) Fairfield,” Banick said in the message. “We have identified those involved and have addressed the situation.”

Banick reminded school community members that clicking links from unknown parties and sharing login information could have unintended consequences and urged families to “remain vigilant” to maintain digital security. She also decried the actions of the party that sent the email.

“Discrimination in any form is not tolerated here at Fairfield Woods Middle School or in FPS,” Banick said in the message. “Anyone involved will be held accountable for their actions. We strongly believe that racism has no place here or anywhere in our society. We are working to support those who have been affected by this reprehensible act.”

A district spokeswoman declined further comment.

The email follows several racist incidents in spring 2021 connected to schools across the district.

In May, police were asked to investigate two cases. The first involved a Fairfield Warde High School student who was arrested and charged after making a Snapchat post that included a photo of one of his classmates and a racial slur. The second involved Fairfield Ludlowe High School students and verbal attacks against the brother of the victim from the first incident, the victims’ mother said at the time.

Additional racist interactions and graffiti occurred at multiple schools in the weeks that followed.

The district in July disclosed plans to use federal funds to pay for equity training and to cover the $160,000 salary for a diversity, equity and inclusion administrator, who would address issues related to racial, economic and social diversity. Additionally, district representatives in the spring met with the Greater Bridgeport NAACP. The organization intends to offer training and workshops for students and staff, its president said at the time.