A Massachusetts high school is investigating their football team’s reported use of anti-Semitic slurs as part of their play calling during games. The Boston Globe reported that the words used during Duxbury High School’s March 12 football game were “Auschwitz,” “rabbi” and “dreidel.” John Antonucci, the school superintendent, told the Globe that the school is “investigating the use of anti-Semitic and potentially other inappropriate and derogatory language.”
Antonucci released a statement with Assistant Superintendent Danielle Klingaman and Principal James Donovan stating that “while the players clearly demonstrated poor judgment, the responsibility for this incident also lies with the adults overseeing the program. In short, this was a systemic failure.”
The coach, Dave Maimaron, apologized in a statement, saying that the language used “was careless, unnecessary and most importantly hurtful on its face — inexcusable.” He later added that “as a special education teacher and a coach, with a multi-racial family, I have a lengthy record of helping students and athletes of all races, religions and capabilities to become the best they can be. I view the football field in particular to be the largest classroom in the school and have developed an inclusive program that welcomes, and makes part of the team, any student who wishes to participate.”
The Boston Herald also reported that Maimaron was suspended for the team’s March 19 football game. The school declined to provide details on disciplinary matters when asked by WCVB; Maimaron told Boston.com that he didn’t know if he would be coaching the team’s March 26 game.
Robert Trestan, head of Anti-Defamation League New England, told the Globe, “It’s deeply hurtful to the Jewish community to learn that the plays somehow connect to the Holocaust and Judaism. This is a really serious situation. There are indications of a systemic failure both on and off the field.”
The Stop Antisemitism.org watchdog also tweeted that it was “outrageous” that Maimaron has only been reportedly suspended for one game.
OUTRAGEOUS!
Duxbury High Football coach Dave Maimaron suspended for ONE GAME over his constant use of "Auschwitz" and "Hitler" during plays!
Email school's Superintendent & Principal demanding a proper punishment –
jantonucci@duxbury.k12.ma.us
jimdonovan@duxbury.k12.ma.us pic.twitter.com/x69EVbKOGl
— StopAntisemitism (@StopAntisemites) March 23, 2021
