By The Wayland Post Staff
Town and school officials are denouncing a racist act that occurred this week inside the Wayland High School boys’ locker room, calling it “deeply troubling” and “counter to the values we hold sacred” as investigations and community support efforts continue.
According to statements released Friday by Wayland Police Chief Ed Burman and Superintendent of Schools David Fleishman, a disturbing discovery was made Thursday when a yellow plastic “children at play” street safety figure—wearing the athletic jersey of a Black Wayland High student—was found hanging by a belt from a ceiling pipe.
Principal Allyson Mizoguchi said the act “evokes deep emotion and has no place in our community,” describing it as a “centuries-old symbol of hate and racial violence.” The object was found by another student, who promptly alerted staff. School administrators immediately launched an investigation, identifying those believed to be involved.
“Our priorities are accountability for those responsible and support for those impacted,” Mizoguchi said in a message to families. “The devastation, confusion, and hurt this act has caused for the targeted student and the ripple effects of pain that will be felt by our community are profound.”
Superintendent Fleishman also condemned the incident, calling it “a violation of the sense of safety for valued members of our community.” He added that the district’s goal of building a culture of belonging makes the act “especially troubling,” noting that educators have “a special obligation to ensure that all students can attend school free of hate and discrimination.”
Wayland Police were notified early Friday morning after a parent reported the incident. Chief Burman said the department immediately began a formal investigation, involving its Civil Rights Officer, the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, and the DA’s Director of Racial Justice Initiatives.
“We are working closely with the District Attorney’s Office to ensure a thorough and careful review of all information to determine the facts of this incident,” Burman said. “Those believed to be involved have been identified, and appropriate investigative steps are underway.”
Burman said the Anti-Defamation League has been contacted to assist with community response and support. The Middlesex District Attorney’s Office also plans to host a community conversation about the incident next week. Details about that event are expected to be released in the coming days.
“No person should ever be subjected to hate speech or discriminatory behavior,” Burman said. “This incident is deeply troubling, and we take it with the utmost seriousness. Wayland rejects hate in all forms.”
School officials said counseling staff and other trusted adults are available to support affected students. Families are encouraged to speak with their children about the incident and to reach out to the school for additional resources or guidance.
Mizoguchi reaffirmed the school’s commitment to ensuring the safety and dignity of every student. “We do not tolerate acts of hate in Wayland,” she said. “We will take all appropriate actions to ensure accountability, learning, and healing within our community.”
