Several parents pressed the Concord School Committee on Nov. 19 over recent racist and antisemitic graffiti found in a high‑school bathroom that occurred shortly after DEIB programming. A parent described students returning home upset and called for more public clarity about consequences and prevention steps.
One parent characterized the acts as "hate crimes" and said they are "happening every week now," asking whether the administration would coordinate assemblies with the district attorney and police to explain consequences. The parent said affected students and families feel unsafe and urged the district to do more than issue statements.
Administration representatives acknowledged disappointment and said they are handling cases while preserving student privacy. "We investigate, we notify the police ... Once we determine what's happened, we consequence according to the handbook," the superintendent said, adding that the district has been issuing multi‑day suspensions and engaging attorneys as needed. The administration also described efforts to build empathy and address underlying needs of students who commit these acts, while acknowledging limits set by privacy and law enforcement processes.
Committee members asked that the topic be discussed further outside the public meeting and requested clearer communication about accountability processes. Speakers on the dais and parents emphasized the need for both firm disciplinary responses and educational approaches to reduce recurrence.
The committee did not take a formal vote on new policy at the meeting; members indicated they would continue discussion and seek clarity from administration and town partners.