School Letter --10/29/2021
To the St. John Paul II School Community,
I am writing to communicate the results of an internal investigation into allegations that members of the St. John Paul II football team used racial epithets during a game against Cathedral/Matignon/Cristo Rey. Multiple players from Cathedral/Matignon/Cristo Rey reported unsportsmanlike conduct and taunting, including hearing racist slurs during the game on 10/16/2021. Due to the serious nature of these allegations and to support a thorough investigation, St. John Paul II suspended football activities, including the forfeiture of the 10/22 game vs. Holbrook/Avon.
This inquiry gathered evidence from available video of the game as well as statements of and interviews with officials, coaches, and players from both teams, along with other witnesses.
Following this investigation, I, along with our Principal and Athletic Director, and working with our Superintendent and legal counsel, have concluded that there is sufficient credible evidence to find that two St. John Paul II players exhibited unsportsmanlike conduct, including taunting, fighting, and using the language alleged by the Cathedral/Matignon/Cristo Rey players. This behavior is beneath the standards set for our students, who are expected to recognize the essential worth and dignity of all persons and comport themselves in a disciplined manner. These student-athletes did not live up to those standards, and as a result, they have been suspended from the team.
Football activities have resumed, and the team will compete on Friday, 10/29, against Brighton High School.
There is much that we can learn from these events. Over the next few weeks, we will take concrete steps to improve understanding, enhance dialogue, and increase respect in acknowledgment that we can and will do better.
I again extend our apologies to the student-athletes, coaches, and the Cathedral High School, Cambridge Matignon School, and Cristo Rey Boston High School communities. We are grateful for their assistance, understanding, and patience.
Sincerely yours,
Christopher W. Keavy
President
School Statement --10/20/2021
Due to the ongoing investigation regarding recent allegations of racial slurs by one or more members of the St. John Paul II School football team, St. John Paul II School will forfeit the October 22nd football game against Holbrook Avon.
All on-field football activities remain suspended in order to support the continuing investigation, and appropriate steps, including any disciplinary actions, will be taken based upon the findings.
These allegations are deeply troubling to the entire JPII school community and do not reflect the school’s values and culture. Racism is a moral evil that has no place in our society. St. John Paul II School is committed to working diligently to ensure that this truth is upheld at all times.
School Statement --10/17/2021
During the course of Saturday’s football game between St. John Paul II School (JPII) and Cathedral High School, Cathedral players reported to their coaches that one or more JPII players directed racial epithets toward them. These allegations were brought to the JPII administration, and school and Diocesan officials have initiated an investigation, realizing the gravity of the use of such language.
These allegations are deeply troubling to the entire JPII school community and do not reflect the school’s values and culture.
Effective immediately, on-field football activities have been suspended in order to support a thorough investigation. Appropriate steps, including any disciplinary actions, will be taken based on the findings.
Racism is a moral evil that has no place in our society. St. John Paul II School is committed to working diligently to ensure that this truth is upheld at all times.
Letter to Families and Staff --10/17/2021
Dear JPII Parents/Guardians,
I write to you to provide information concerning deeply troubling allegations made against one or more St. John Paul II School football players.
During the course of Saturday’s football game against Cathedral High School, Cathedral players reported to their coaches that one or more JPII players directed racial epithets toward them. Cathedral coaches reported the allegations to JPII administrators, and we have initiated an investigation into the allegations. We will proceed diligently, realizing the grave wrong of such language and also the need to determine the facts.
Effective immediately, on-field football activities have been suspended in order to support a thorough investigation. Appropriate steps, including any disciplinary actions, will be taken based on the findings.
These allegations leave us dismayed. Guests should know that St. John Paul II School values them and their essential human dignity. Furthermore, Cathedral High School has been a friendly opponent of ours many times in a spirit of mutual respect.
I will communicate as appropriate when our investigation has reached its conclusion.
Sincerely,
Christopher W Keavy
President