By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — A town employee has resigned and an investigation is underway after inappropriate and racist language was overheard during a livestreaming of Lynnfield High Class of 2025’s graduation ceremony on June 6.
Town Administrator Rob Dolan and Assistant Town Administrator Bob Curtin wrote in a joint statement that they were informed at 7 p.m. on June 6 that “during a livestreaming of the Lynnfield High School graduation, town employees were overheard using inappropriate and racist words.”
“This video and audio feed was seen and heard by people waiting to watch the graduation,” Dolan and Curtin stated.
After the three town employees were identified, Dolan and Curtin stated they were placed on “administrative leave pending a full investigation of the video and any other evidence.”
Several residents sent the Villager the video, which featured the employees setting up Pioneer Stadium for the graduation ceremony. One of the employees was caught on a hot mic using racist words to describe Black and Hispanic people.
“The town has begun an investigation into the recorded conversation that occurred on (June 6) before the Lynnfield High School graduation,” Dolan wrote in a follow-up statement emailed to the Villager on Monday. “One of the employees involved in the conversation resigned and is no longer employed by the town. The investigation into this matter is ongoing and there is no further information or comment at this time.”
Dolan and Curtin wrote in the first statement that the Select Board, Superintendent Tom Geary and Police Chief Nick Secatore were informed about the incident.
“We, as town leaders, stand together in outrage over what has been reported this evening and wish to state emphatically that racist language and behavior has no place in our town and will be dealt with immediately,” Dolan and Curtin wrote. “It is especially regrettable that this incident took place on what is and should be a night to celebrate our incredible seniors. Such incidents, however, must be confronted directly and openly and a full investigation and appropriate action will be taken.”
A number of local officials, residents and educators were incensed by the livestreaming incident.
“Last night, racist and inappropriate language was used by a town employee setting up for graduation and was picked up by a microphone on the livestream shortly before the ceremony began,” Geary and School Committee Chair Kristen Grieco Elworthy wrote in a joint statement emailed to the Villager on June 7 and was posted on the Lynnfield School Committee’s Facebook page. “This incident took place at a school event, and we are outraged that our students, families and community members were exposed to such harmful language.
“This language — and the racism it reflects — has no place in Lynnfield Public Schools,” Geary and Elworthy continued. “It stands in direct opposition to our core values of respect, inclusivity and belonging. While the individuals involved are town employees, not district staff, we have been in close communication with town leadership and fully support their swift and decisive response. We thank them for their action and join them in condemning this behavior. Lynnfield Public Schools is committed to being a safe, supportive and inclusive space for all students, staff and visitors. We recognize that for many in our community this incident is deeply painful. We hear you and we stand with you. In the days ahead, we will identify opportunities to come together as a community to listen, learn and move forward in unity.”
School Committee member Jamie Hayman, whose daughter Ella graduated and spoke at the 66th commencement ceremony as Student Council president, wrote in a Facebook post that, “racism and bigotry, in any form, have no place in our community.”
“We can’t ignore the fact that this incident took place at a school event and students were watching,” Hayman wrote. “By now, hundreds of Lynnfield Public Schools students have heard these words. And just as importantly, they are now watching what we do next. If we treat this only as a personnel issue, we miss a critical opportunity to lead, to grow and to teach. We must show our students that their community stands firmly against hate and discrimination. I want to reaffirm my commitment to ensuring that every student in our district, and every member of our community, feels seen, respected and valued, regardless of their race, ethnicity, religion, gender, being a member of the LGBTQ+ community or socioeconomic status. Our children are watching us. Let’s rise to meet this moment and show them who we are.”
Select Board Vice Chair Alexis Leahy wrote in a Facebook post that “discrimination not only undermines the values of equity and justice that a community is built upon, but it also divides us at a time when unity and understanding are more important than ever.”
“Hate has no place in our community,” stated Leahy. “I will continue working to build a future where diversity is celebrated, voices are heard and every person feels safe and valued. Together, we must rise above division and reaffirm our shared humanity. Thank you to the town administration who acted quickly and to the graduates, this does not represent your town or put a damper on your achievement. Continue to shine and work towards a better future.”
Lynnfield for Love board members Sadaf Weisenfeld, Lauren Howard, Kate Iantosca, Natasha Shah and Darlene Kumar wrote in a Facebook post that they were “shocked, outraged and filled with compassion for our Black and Hispanic high school students.”
“Graduation is a time to honor the achievements and diversity of our young people — a moment that should reflect the values of respect, inclusion and shared pride in our town’s future,” Weisenfeld, Howard, Iantosca, Shah and Kumar wrote. “Instead, this incident has cast a painful shadow over that milestone and has left many students, families and residents feeling hurt, alienated and unsafe. There is no place in our schools, town government or broader community for racism in any form — whether overt or covert, public or private.”
Newly elected Lynnfield Teachers Association (LTA) President Nicole Hawes wrote on the teachers’ union’s Facebook page that, “Graduation is one of the most special times of the year. It’s a moment to pause and celebrate everything our students have accomplished — their growth, their perseverance and their journey. We’ve watched them tackle challenges, push through hard days and come out stronger on the other side. (On June 6), we watched as they crossed the stage not just to receive a diploma, but to mark the beginning of a new chapter filled with possibility.
“For families, it’s emotional — seeing the little ones they once held now walking across that stage as young adults, full of promise,” Hawes continued. “And for us, as educators, it’s incredibly moving. Whether we taught them to read, helped them through algebra or just shared smiles and high-fives in the hallway, each of these students has left a mark on us. They are ‘our kids,’ and we couldn’t be prouder of who they’ve become. That’s why what happened before the ceremony hurt so deeply. A time that should have been filled with nothing but pride and joy was darkened by racist, hurtful comments made by a town employee. There’s no excuse—what was said was wrong, and it has no place in our schools or our community. We want our students and families to know: We see you, we value you and we stand with you.”
There have been a number of racist and anti-Semitic incidents that have occurred in town over the past five years. During the public participation portion of the School Committee’s June 3 meeting, Tree Top Lane resident Carl Allien said he was hoping to have a conversation with Geary “regarding some incidents that my son is facing.”
“I got a call from the principal regarding some of the harsh things that my son has been enduring,” said Allien. “This is not to fault any specific person, but it has been challenging for a young African American kid in the school system right now. I am struggling right now, so I would love to have a conversation with the superintendent and also to have it with the principals too as well.”
Geary encouraged Allien to reach out to him. He and Elworthy also asked him to leave his contact information with the School Committee’s secretary.
“I appreciate you letting us know,” said Elworthy.