LUNENBURG, MA — School Superintendent Loxi Jo Calmes announced Monday that all remaining games for the Lunenburg High School football team — including the popular Thanksgiving game Nov. 27 against St. Bernard's High School in Fitchburg — have been forfeited in the wake of an alleged racist hate crime targeting a young player. The Lunenburg team is now the focus in racial graffiti discovered Friday morning spray-painted on the house of 13-year-old Lunenburg player Isaac A. Phillips, who alleges wrongdoing by teammates. Ms. Calmes thanked the community for attending a vigil Sunday night and for supporting Isaac and his family who were the targets of an "act of hate." She said the district will continue to make its resources available to assist the family. She also confirmed an investigation into allegations related to racial slurs by Lunenburg players directed toward Worcester South High Community School football players a few weeks ago. "The educators and coaches of Lunenburg value diversity and we care deeply about all of our students," Ms. Calmes said. "We have no tolerance for racism in any form and we do everything we can to eliminate it from our schools and our community. Numerous members of the faculty and staff were in attendance at the vigil (Sunday) night along with the entire football coaching staff and team. We have also sought out the assistance of the Anti-Defamation League to assist us in delivering additional educational programs for students to teach tolerance." She would not respond to follow-up questions from reporters. Police Chief James P. Marino said the investigation continues with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, state police and district attorney's office. Video by Betty Jenewin, read more at telegram.com http://www.telegram.com/article/20131119/NEWS/311199867/1116

• published: 19 Nov 2013
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