Police investigating racial slur, 'vile language' that disrupted online learning at two Needham schools

NEEDHAM — Police are investigating incidents involving “racist, ugly, and hurtful language and taunts” and a racial slur used by an elementary school student that disrupted remote learning at two Needham schools this week.

Superintendent of Schools Dan Gutekanst notified the school community of the "hate-filled" incidents in an email sent around 7 p.m. Tuesday.

On Monday and Tuesday, “an unknown person or persons managed to get into several Zoom sessions and disrupt classrooms at Pollard (Middle School) with racist, ugly and hurtful language and taunts,” Gutekanst wrote.

A second incident at Sunita L. Williams Elementary School involved a student who directed a racial slur toward another student during an online class.

Police spokesperson Lt. Chris Baker confirmed the school reported the Zoom disruptions to detectives. He said the town's school resource officer will engage a set of specialized law enforcement services, including cyber crime investigators, provided through a consortium of over 40 local police departments known as the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council, or Metro-LEC.

School district responds

According to the superintendent's email, the school district followed its own protocols in responding to an incident of bias and hate. Staff spoke with students, staff, and families and noted plans, “to bring about appropriate dialogue, conversations and healing;” and notified police, “so that they may investigate as appropriate.” The communication also notes legal action is on the table.

The “vile language” uttered during the middle school instruction was not directed at any person in particular, Gutekanst wrote, but “it most certainly was offensive to any student, particularly a Black student or staff member who experienced it.”

Concerning the incident reported at the elementary school level, he said the school district is "emphasizing the importance of teaching our youngest students about the impact of words and behaviors and how actions that are racist are hurtful and are not tolerated."

“I am extremely sorry students and staff were witnesses to, or in the case at Sunita Williams a victim of, this hate-filled language and that an individual(s) expressed this language in Needham classrooms where we strive to ensure an inclusive, welcoming and anti-racist environment,” wrote Gutekanst. “These were cowardly, contemptible and despicable acts that caused a significant disruption, but will not detract from our learning or undermine our values of respect, equity and community.”