The School Committee will vote at its June 20 meeting on hiring an independent investigator to look into “multiple formal complaints of harassment and discrimination” filed by district employees, according to a statement sent to the community by interim Superintendent Theresa McGuinness.
The statement does not provide details on the subject of the complaints, but does say, “The contemporary political climate has fanned strong emotions and divisiveness. We are aware of a rapidly intensifying dispute among groups of school district employees.”
McGuinness’ statement continues: “The district has attempted, as is our obligation, to investigate these claims internally. Unfortunately, the allegations made by the persons involved have escalated to the point that these investigators themselves cannot proceed without being subjected to accusations of having a conflict. Recognizing the district’s obligation to investigate all of these complaints, regardless of who is making them, we intend to take necessary steps to have the complaints investigated in a manner that is thorough and that can be viewed as objective by all who are involved.”
The statement also reads, “The Marblehead Public Schools condemns racism, antisemitism and discrimination in all its forms and manners. We take all allegations of hate and discrimination very seriously.”
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Editor Leigh Blander is an experienced TV, radio and print journalist.