Antisemitic Video Investigated By Westport Public Schools And Police

WESTPORT, CT — An antisemitic video that has been circulated among Westport families and on social media has been investigated by Westport Public Schools and local police, according to Schools Superintendent Thomas Scarice.

The Superintendent discussed the matter in a message to the school district community this week, and said that he has reached out personally to many concerned parents. He added that he cannot share specific information about student matters because of federal student privacy laws, but wanted to acknowledge that the situation was being reviewed.

Though Scarice did not describe it, News 12 Connecticut reported that the TikTok video depicted a beheading. The video was made before the Israel-Hamas War, according to officials.

Scarice shared the following:

• First, I want to reiterate what I stated in community messages on October 9 and 13, “Categorically together with you, the Westport Public Schools stand against, and condemn, all forms of hate and violence.” Without question, the Westport Public Schools condemns antisemitism and all other forms of hate.
• The circulated video in question was created before October 7, 2023. It was not a reenactment of the atrocities in Israel that began after its creation. It was an appalling, distressing video that was addressed swiftly and firmly by the administration, in collaboration with the Westport Police Department, after it was brought to our attention.
• The school administration, and the Westport police, in consultation with the state's attorney's office, investigated the video in question and could not substantiate any threat directed to specific Jewish people or to the Jewish population more generally, nor that the video targeted any Jewish person.

The statement follows similar concerns voiced by First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker, who said officials are monitoring the rise in antisemitism in the U.S. and around the world.

"These points do not minimize that the video in question is disturbing and has caused hurt and upset to those who have viewed it," Scarice said. "Its circulation at this moment in time is especially painful.

"I want to assure the community that we do not tolerate this behavior, that we are addressing this matter, and that we address all matters in ways that are appropriate and sensitive to all students and community members involved.

"As always, if you have any information of hate-based conduct, please make a report to the building administration."