For more information, contact:

Dan Goldman
Communications Coordinator
Brighton Central School District
Phone: (585) 242-5200 ext. 5096
Daniel_Goldman@bcsd.org

News

Christina Lewis Gursslin

Communication and Public Relations Specialist
Fairport Central School District
Phone: (585) 421-2017
cgursslin@fairport.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 20, 2016
Statement regarding lacrosse incident on May 17 between Brighton and Fairport districts
Brighton and Fairport, N.Y. The Brighton and Fairport Central School Districts partnered to
investigate and follow up on an incident involving allegedly hateful speech by members of the Fairport
lacrosse team toward members of the Brighton team after the game between the two schools on Tuesday,
May 17. After thoroughly investigating this situation, it has been concluded that the incident did occur
and that the behavior in the incident, although not intended to be hateful, was in fact one that should be
categorized in this manner. Intent does not diminish the significance or seriousness of the situation.
Behaviors have consequences no matter what the intent may be.
Fairport has the highest of expectations for student conduct and how students represent themselves and
the district; we do not condone this behavior. As a result, the Fairport CSD has responded and shared its
process and conclusions with Brighton CSD. Fairport reinforced its Code of Conduct and Extracurricular
Eligibility Standards. Although the consequences are rigorous, they also include an opportunity for
learning through restorative practices Fairport is working to remediate this unfortunate incident so that
an incident like this is not repeated.
Both districts share a desire to promote a greater understanding of complex societal issues. We envision a
society that embraces differences and promotes positive interactions that are free from bigotry or
insensitivity of all kinds. We are all deeply disturbed both by this incident, and the greater issue of its
place in public discourse that call into question the progress that society has made in addressing issues of
bigotry and a lack of understanding in the world today.
As educators it is ultimately our job to teach. We hope that this situation will continue to provide us an
opportunity to teach others how to be better human beings. Well start with our students and hope that
adults observing these students will see examples of people who stand up for what is right, handle their
disputes with dignity and discussion, and seek to find a common ground in making the world a better
place.
The Brighton and Fairport districts have and will continue to work collaboratively to use this opportunity
to bring our communities closer together. There is a mutual agreement that this situation was handled
thoughtfully and with sincerity. Both school communities wish to move forward in a positive and
productive manner. Through this situation, our primary objective has been to rigorously address the
behaviors exhibited and promote a deeper understanding and awareness of diversity.

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