News Summary
La Salle Academy is dealing with a severe racism incident following the resignation of Brother Dennis Malloy amid investigations into a threatening racist text sent to a Black student. The school community is responding with initiatives to support affected students. The FBI is investigating similar incidents of hate speech across several states. Additionally, the school is addressing another case of homophobia involving a parent at a sports event. With these events leading to a transitional period in leadership, La Salle Academy is committed to fostering a supportive environment.
Providence, RI – La Salle Academy is grappling with a significant incident of racism as Brother Dennis Malloy announces his resignation from the leadership position at the school by the end of this month. This resignation follows a troubling occurrence where at least one Black student received a racist text message threatening her with the phrase, “selected to pick cotton.” The incident has prompted both local and national investigations into the dissemination of such messages.
In response to the situation, La Salle Academy has decided to bring back a familiar face in an interim capacity until a permanent successor is appointed. The racial incident, reported on Thursday, involved a text that was specifically addressed to a Black student, alarming her and causing school officials to describe the remarks as “abhorrent.” Principal Timothy Welsh indicated that it triggered immediate action, leading to a meeting being scheduled for the school’s diversity committee to provide necessary support for affected students.
The FBI is currently investigating the aggressive text messages, which have been reported across numerous states including Alabama, California, Mississippi, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Massachusetts. These messages were concerning in nature, often threatening recipients by instructing them to prepare for pickup in a brown van for “plantation” work, with similar, disturbing connotations. The messages have reportedly been circulated en masse, highlighting a disturbing trend of hate speech proliferating online.
In the aftermath, La Salle Academy’s administration has taken steps to collaborate with the state Attorney General’s office to facilitate a thorough inquiry. This includes understanding the targeting of students through these messages. Brother Malloy, in his communication to the school community, emphasized the institution’s steadfast commitment to combat racism, asserting that they stand in solidarity with communities of color as part of their Catholic, Lasallian ministry.
Besides this incident, La Salle Academy has addressed another troubling occurrence involving a parent who was ejected from a volleyball semifinal match after using a homophobic slur. The school responded by reinforcing its dedication to Christ’s teachings, which promote love and respect for all individuals, including members of the LGBTQIA+ community. The parent in question has faced consequences, including a ban from attending future events and potential disciplinary actions.
Brother Malloy’s long tenure in parochial education will come to a close this month, marking the end of his leadership at the largest Catholic school in Rhode Island. His departure has coincided with these serious incidents, raising questions about the administrative response to hate speech and the overall climate at La Salle Academy. The La Salle boys volleyball team is also preparing to participate in the Rhode Island Interscholastic League (RIIL) State Championship match, an event that will proceed amid this backdrop of disconcerting developments.
In light of these recent events, the La Salle Academy community faces the challenge of addressing hate and discrimination while fostering a safe and supportive environment for all students.
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Additional Resources
- Providence Business News: La Salle Academy President Malloy Retiring
- Boston Globe: RI La Salle Academy Racist Texts Reported
- Providence Journal: La Salle Promises Decisive Action After Homophobic Slur
- Wikipedia: Racism
- Legacy: Ernest Baptista Obituary
- Google Search: La Salle Academy Hate Speech
