Salem Schools 'Will Not Tolerate' LGBTQ+ Hate: Superintendent

SALEM, MA — Salem Superintendent Steve Zrike said the contributions of LGBTQ+ students and staff are valued in the school community and that district "will not tolerate" hate speech and actions against members of that community in the wake of an accused civil rights violation in the city last week.

Salem police said earlier this week that a group of young men is accused of harassing another group based on their perceived sexual orientation at the Wendy's on Lafayette Street last Friday and then hitting one of the victims with a gel-filled projectile from a toy gun after following them outside in what police termed a hate crime.

Police said an 18-year-old was charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon in the incident, while one other adult man and two juveniles were summoned to court to face civil rights violation and assault to intimidate charges.

"It's important that our students and families know that we are committed to making sure that they feel safe, supported and welcomed in our schools and in our city," Zrike said on Wednesday. "And that their contributions are regularly valued in the work that we do.

"We know that this is a challenging time. We know that there is a lot of concerning rhetoric and commentary. We will not tolerate it. As community leaders, I know in the school system, we will be sure to investigate any concern or any example where a young person doesn't feel safe based on what they're hearing."

Police said the projectile in the Wendy's incident was determined to be an Orbeez — a gel-filled bead commonly used in small toy guns. Police said the group accused of the harassment fled the area but were identified using security camera footage and witness interviews.

Salem Police Chief Lucas Miller encouraged anyone who feels victimized based on their sexual identity to report the incident and that the department was determined that "all people deserve to go about their lives without fear or intimidation."

"We do know that sadly what happens in social media, what's heard in the media, can influence a lot of the actions and the words people," Zrike said. "And it is incredibly hurtful in our LGBTQ+ community.

"We commend you on your courage and your resilience during this very difficult time. Know that we are here as a school system and have your back."

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)