Worcester Schools Launch Anti-Racism Campaign After Athletes Targeted

WORCESTER, MA —Worcester Public Schools is launching a districtwide campaign after student-athletes encountered racist behavior while competing at away games.

The multi-year Stand Against Racism campaign will include student and adult pledges at athletic events, anti-racism programs in high schools, student advisory group discussions and public awareness efforts. WPS is partnering with the YWCA of Central Massachusetts and the Worcester NAACP for the campaign.

Campaign Rally at Doherty Memorial High School.

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell and U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern joined district leaders Tuesday for a campaign rally at Doherty Memorial High School.

Students from every Worcester public high school attended alongside Superintendent Brian Allen, Mayor Joseph Petty, YWCA of Central Massachusetts CEO Deborah Hall and Worcester NAACP President Fred Taylor.

The campaign follows racist incidents involving Worcester student-athletes at away games, including one that drew attention on social media, the district said.

Worcester Public Schools has begun holding rallies with athletes at each district high school. Students and adults recite pledges committing to fairness, kindness and opposition to racism, bullying and discrimination.

Under the campaign, athletes will recite the pledge before games while adults will deliver it over public address systems. The district also plans to display messages on banners and school televisions.

Additional anti-racism events and programming are expected as the campaign continues.

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