Police Probe Second Racist Incident Involving Fairfield Students

FAIRFIELD, CT — Police will investigate the second of two recent cases of racism involving Fairfield high school students after a 16-year-old was recently charged in connection with the first incident.

The student facing charges posted a photo of a Fairfield Warde High School classmate, Jamar Medor, on Snapchat, overlaid with text that included a racial slur. The following weekend, Jamar’s brother, Jake Medor, was called a racial slur over the phone in a verbal attack involving Fairfield Ludlowe High School students, according to Jake and Jamar’s mother, Judith Medor.

Police received reports Monday about the second incident, according to Lt. Antonio Granata.

“We will conduct an investigation to see if there’s anything criminal,” he said.

Fairfield school district officials acknowledged last week that a second racist incident occurred and said appropriate actions were taken.

The boy connected with the first incident, which happened May 7, was arrested and charged with second-degree breach of peace and ridicule on account of creed, religion, color, denomination, nationality or race, according to police.

An online petition calling for the expulsion of the student who made the Snapchat post gained the support of over 31,000 people and was updated Monday to say the boy had been expelled, although district Director of Communications Andrea Clark said the disciplinary process was ongoing.

Fairfield officials have repeatedly said the district does not disclose disciplinary action taken against students, but that the teen would be held accountable in accordance with Board of Education policy. Judith said she was initially told the student would be suspended for 10 days, but as of Monday, she said district officials indicated the boy would not return to Warde.

“They handled it very well,” she said. “They follow protocol and do the right thing.”

Judith hopes that by discussing her family’s experiences, she can prevent similar displays of racism and send a message about the consequences. She said the racism directed at her sons has left Jamar, in particular, feeling uncomfortable and singled out.

“These white students, they have to know what to say and what not to say to the Black students,” she said. “We are in 2021 now.”

One resource that can help Fairfield students navigate issues related to race is the Greater Bridgeport NAACP, which met Monday with school district and police representatives.

“The meeting was very productive, we’re looking forward to communicating further,” said the Rev. D. Stanley Lord, president of the local NAACP branch.

The Greater Bridgeport NAACP plans to offer training and workshops for students and staff at Fairfield schools, and provide support for Jamar and Jake, according to Lord, who said he does not expect the NAACP to take legal action regarding the recent racist incidents.

Fairfield Superintendent Mike Cummings in a prepared statement Monday expressed appreciation for the NAACP’s involvement.

“This is just the beginning of our work together to support the students and staff of Fairfield Public Schools,” he said.