Police investigating racially motivated act at Wayland High School

Police are investigating after a student at Wayland High School was targeted by a racially motivated act on school grounds, according to Wayland Police Chief Ed Burman.

Police said at about 8:30 a.m. Friday, a parent notified them that their child had been targeted in the incident.

Wayland Superintendent David Fleishman said a yellow, plastic “children at play” street safety figure wearing the athletic jersey of a Black WHS student was found hanging by a belt around its neck from a ceiling pipe in the boys locker room.

“Wayland Police immediately launched an investigation following our policies and procedures for responding to hate-based incidents and involved the Department’s Civil Rights Officer. The Department also contacted the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, and the Director of Racial Justice Initiatives is supporting the student,” Burman wrote in a statement.

Police said those believed to have been involved have been identified.

The said the incident is being investigated by law enforcement and Wayland school officials.

In a statement, Burman wrote, “No person should ever be subjected to hate speech or discriminatory behavior. This incident is deeply troubling, and we take it with the utmost seriousness. Our priority is the safety and well-being of the student and our community.”

Fleishman wrote, “I want to acknowledge the devastation, confusion, and hurt that this act has caused for the targeted student and the ripple effects of pain that will be felt by our community in the coming days. The impact will be especially felt by our students and families who have historically experienced racism, violence, and injustice.”

Burman said the District Attorney’s Office is planning to schedule a community conversation about the incident next week.

Police said they also notified the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), an organization that battles and responds to acts of hate against all affected groups. The ADL leadership team will support the Police Department and community members during the investigation. 

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