No Evidence Found Of Antisemitic Remark During Staples Trip: Scarice

WESTPORT, CT — Staples High School officials have concluded an investigation into an alleged antisemitic remark directed toward a Jewish student, but no evidence was found to support the claim, according to Westport Schools Superintendent Thomas Scarice.

The incident was said to have occurred during a recent trip by students to Germany. While visiting the Dachau Concentration Camp, a student was accused of saying to one of his Jewish classmates that she "should have burned" there.

StopAntisemitism, an advocacy group, posted about the alleged incident on Twitter, which prompted the investigation.

In a message to Staples families on Friday, Scarice wrote that the investigation was thorough, and the school community deserved an update from his original message last weekend.

"At the time of that communication, Staples Principal Stafford Thomas, Assistant Principal Jim Farnen, and other members of the Staples administrative team promptly began the process of investigating the Twitter post in question," Scarice wrote.

"I am reaching out again to report that the administration has concluded a thorough investigation and did not find any evidence to support this claim posted on Twitter.

"I do not ordinarily report back to the community on the results of investigations concerning students. However, this is an extraordinary situation in which an anonymous, unverified complaint was posted on social media. As a result, this spread far and wide in the community, and understandably generated tremendous disruption and outrage.

"In these unusual circumstances, I feel a responsibility to help mitigate the damage that this rumor has caused to our school community by providing closure on this specific matter. Although we did not substantiate the claim in question, the hateful words foisted upon our community through social media undoubtedly have left an impression."

Scarice went on to say that the district treats all "allegations of hate-based conduct, harassment, or discrimination" with the utmost seriousness, and such incidents will be investigated, and the administration will "find appropriate ways to address substantiated claims."

"Fortunately, our positive working relationships with our local clergy and the ADL have continually provided invaluable support in helping us work through difficult moments in our school community," Scarice wrote. "We stand ready to do that again should another incident come to light that warrants attention of that nature.

"Again, I want to take this opportunity to share an important reminder that we must all remain vigilant in the face of discrimination and hate-based remarks."