WILMINGTON, MA — At last week’s School Committee meeting, Interim School Superintendent Dr. David Thomson announced the formation of a new Anti-Discrimination Working Group for Wilmington Public Schools.
This “Diversity, Belonging and Climate Working Group” will “identify programs, curriculum and activities that promote appropriate language and behavior so that every member of our community feels welcomed and valued.”
Members will include Coordinator of Behavior Health & Social Emotional Learning Erin Dunham (leader), Middle School Principal Brian Caira, North Principal Amy Iascone, and School Committee members Jennifer Bryson and Stephen Turner. There will also be seats set aside for a School Resource Officer, a community member and a parent.
Dr. Thomson is putting together the working group due to “an increase in racist and inappropriate language in our schools and community.”
On May 19, 2026, Dr. Thomson notified parents that racial epithets were found written in two of the Middle School bathrooms.
He wrote, in part:
I want to be very clear: this hateful behavior is completely unacceptable and is not in line with our values as a school community and will not be tolerated. We take these matters very seriously, as they directly contradict our mission to provide a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for every student, staff member, and member of our community.”
As you know, the Wilmington Public Schools have worked closely with the Anti-Defamation League in the “No Place for Hate Program. Recently, the Wilmington Middle School earned the distinction of being a “No Place for Hate” school. This designation reflects our commitment to challenging bias and bullying, and we will not let the actions of a few undermine the hard work and progress our entire community has made.
Please be assured that we are conducting a thorough investigation and will be working hard to identify those responsible. We will also use this as an opportunity to reinforce our values and continue our dialogue with students about the importance of respect and inclusion.
On May 28, 2026, Dr. Thomson notified parents that a racial slur — along with another inappropriate writing, graffiti and tagging — was located outside the Shawsheen Elementary School, at the tennis courts.
“While this incident did not occur during school hours, it did include a racial slur. This is the second incident involving a racial slur in the past two weeks. Although these incidents are unrelated, they point to an issue in our society today that has made such actions all too common. This behavior is not aligned with our values,” Thomson wrote. “The Wilmington Police have investigated, the damage is covered up, and will be repaired. The Wilmington Public Schools have provided programming in kindness, antibullying, and positive behavioral expectations. However, we ask that families take a few moments to revisit our work on kindness and acceptance to reinforce these lessons and clarify that racial language is unacceptable.”
On June 9, 2026, WMS Principal Brian Caira notified parents of another racial slur which was found written in a bathroom.
“This behavior is completely unacceptable and stands in direct opposition to our school values. We are investigating the matter thoroughly,” he wrote.
In addition to the formation of the working group, Dr. Thomson also announced that Wilmington Public Schools will be expanding its “No Place For Hate” program through the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). Beginning next school year, the program will be introduced to younger students, cover Kindergarten through Grade 8. The program is currently only in place at the Middle School.
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