November 13, 2018 (Updated Thursday, November 15, 2018)

Dear Framingham Community:

Many of you may be aware of a series of unfortunate events that have taken place over the last couple of days at Hemenway Elementary School. Two letters, one found on Friday and another on Tuesday (the original note said Monday. School was closed on Monday to observe Veterans Day.), were placed in a students storage bin. Both letters contained hateful and harmful words with the Monday’s message threatening harm. As I have stated in the past, any form of hate or bias is unacceptable and unwelcome in our community.

We are working with the leadership team at Hemenway to ensure safety for both students and staff. I want to especially thank the Framingham Police Department and our Interfaith Advisory Council for their support in this matter. The Framingham Police Department has already begun an official investigation to identify the individual responsible for the letter. The district will also continue to conduct our own internal investigation conducted by our Office of Equity, Diversity and Community Development.

While we are extremely disappointed in this turn of events, we remain committed to equity and justice. As we continue our investigations we will continue to use this as a teachable moment to ensure all students learn how to create and sustain a welcoming community for all. It is not lost on me the harm these letters have caused the family and the greater Muslim community. I want to reassure you that the Framingham Public Schools stands with you. We will not accept hate. We will stand united against it.

Sincerely,

Robert A. Tremblay, Superintendent
Framingham Public Schools