Slur Or Misunderstanding? Middletown, Colchester State Their Cases

MIDDLETOWN, CT — A remark that was interpreted to be a racial slur at a middle school track meet in Middletown early on Thursday was being termed a misunderstanding later in the day.

The posturing began Monday morning when school officials in Middletown said they were investigating allegations of what was being called a racial slur directed at a middle school student during an interscholastic track meet with William J. Johnston Middle School in Colchester.

One of the accusers was the CT Parents Union.

The comment was interpreted as bing directed at a sixth-grade Black female student from Beman Middle School.

"We understand the seriousness of this matter," Middletown school system officials said. "The incident referenced has been under investigation by Middletown Public Schools since the evening of Monday, May 13, 2024."

School officials added, "As the investigation pertains to a personnel matter, our ability to share specific details is limited."

They continued, "Nonetheless, the District of Middletown Public Schools is firmly committed to creating and maintaining a school district where everyone feels seen, safe, and supported. This includes students, employees, families, community members, and visitors. Racist, derogatory, disparaging, and offensive language has no place in our schools, and we do not condone it in any way. To that end, Middletown Public Schools is proud to have created and uphold its own equity policy, accessible here."

By Thursday afternoon, Colchester school system officials had this to say:

"Earlier this week, the William J. Johnston Middle School Track team of Colchester participated in
a meet with Beman Middle School of Middletown.

"Based upon our preliminary investigation, at one point during that meet, there was an interaction between one of the WJJMS coaches, and members of the Beman team.

"Specifically, our investigation determined that the Beman students were singing a song named 'Faneto,' by Chief Keef.

"Thinking that the Beman students were attempting to playfully interact with her, the WJJMS Coach responded by saying, 'You are.'

"The WJJMS coach states that she intended for that to be a question, and didn’t realize that anyone from Beman was offended. Further, she states that had she known, she would have immediately spoken to the Beman coach and apologized to the student-athletes.

"According to Colchester Superintendent of Schools, Daniel Sullivan the district is committed to
working with the coach, and all members of the school community relative to implicit bias to
ensure that the Colchester Schools are bastions of safety and inclusivity for all.

"Our coach has made it clear that she feels terrible that a student and her family are hurt by the interaction at the meet. Further, she has decided to step down as a coach. She indicates that coaching is about kids, and the spotlight should always be on the student-athletes and not the coach.

"The district will ensure that the team has adequate support to finish their season.

"The Colchester Public Schools are always dedicated to cultivating a school environment where
every student feels accepted, connected, and prepared to learn. We firmly uphold equity,
diversity, and inclusion as core principles within our school district, guaranteeing access for all.
We stand in solidarity, honoring individuals of every background and identity, embracing
diversity in races, socio-economic statuses, genders, gender identities, sexual orientations,
religions, nationalities, and abilities. We will use this experience as a teachable moment for all of
our staff and apologize to anyone that was impacted by this event."