Lynnfield workers positioned on go away for alleged racist language

Several Lynnfield town employees have been placed on leave after they were allegedly overheard using “inappropriate and racist words” during a live stream of the town’s high school graduation.

Setup was underway for Lynnfield’s high school seniors to graduate Friday, and a live stream was available for people to watch the ceremony. The video and audio feed of the employees’ language was seen and heard by live stream viewers, according to Town Administrator Robert Dolan and Assistant Town Administrator Robert Curtin.

“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 in a statement on Facebook.

Officials have identified the employees and placed them on administrative leave pending an investigation of the video and any other evidence, Dolan and Curtin wrote. The town select board, school superintendent, and police chief have also been notified.

“It is especially regrettable that this incident took place on what is and should be a night to celebrate our incredible seniors,” Dolan and Curtin wrote. “Such incidents, however, must be confronted directly and openly and a full investigation and appropriate action will be taken.”

Jamie Hayman, a member of the Lynnfield School Committee, commended Dolan and Curtin on their “swift action” and expressed “personal outrage and deep disappointment” over the incident.

“We can’t ignore the fact that this incident took place at a school event and students were watching,” Hayman wrote on Facebook. “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.”

Hayman called on the community to “show our students that their community stands firmly against hate and discrimination.”

Dolan and Lynnfield police had no additional information available Sunday.