Racist Video Circulated Among Fairfield Woods Middle School Students

FAIRFIELD, CT — A video containing racist language was "circulated among a small group of students" at Fairfield Woods Middle School this week, according to Principal Colleen Banick.

In a letter Wednesday to families, Banick said the students involved have been identified, and the situation has been addressed.

The extent to which the students were disciplined was not disclosed, but she added that "those involved will be held accountable for their actions."

"In the event your child may have come across this video and is in need of support, please contact us directly if we have not already reached out to you," Banick wrote.

"Parents, we are asking for your partnership in monitoring your child’s online presence and posts within all social media platforms frequented by our students as a preventative measure."

Patch reached out to the Fairfield Police Department for comment but did not immediately receive a reply.

In recent years, Fairfield Public Schools have had to grapple with racist incidents, including such attacks at the town's high schools.

Banick said that in this week's incident, she found it "heartening" that "several students who observed the video responded appropriately by sharing it with trusted adults at home and in school."

She concluded her letter with the following:

Racially offensive expressions are not tolerated here at Fairfield Woods Middle School or anywhere within the Fairfield Public Schools. I can assure you that those involved will be held accountable for their actions. Racist language has no place here or anywhere in our society. We are working to support those who have been affected by this event. As a school community, we must continue to take a stand against intolerance and treat each other with respect and dignity.