Boston School Committee Chair Resigns After Mocking Names

BOSTON — The chair of the Boston School Committee resigned Thursday morning after being caught on a hot microphone mocking Asian names during Wednesday night's meeting.

Michael Loconto apologized in a statement Thursday morning, saying "it was not ever my intention to mock anyone."

Loconto was heard making a remark following the reading of some Asian names ahead of those people speaking during public comment.

"I know what was in my head and in my heart but I make no excuses," Loconto said in his statement. "I know how my words were heard and how they hurt."

Mayor Marty Walsh said at noon he accepted Loconto's resignation.

"None of us wishes to be defined by a single moment in our lives and no one knows that better than me," Walsh said. "Michael is someone who has done important and difficult work for the people of Boston, and especially our children, but we cannot accept the disparagement of members of our community."

City leaders were calling for Loconto's resignation throughout the morning.

"Names are one of the most personal parts of everyone's identity," City Councilor Lydia Edwards said on Twitter. "It's unacceptable for anyone to mock names. That's especially true for those of us in positions of power. Michael Loconto must resign."

City Councilor Michelle Wu, who is running for mayor, called Loconto's words "blatantly racist" and a detriment to building community partnerships.

Loconto's term was scheduled to expire in 2022. School Committee members are appointed by the mayor.

Boston schools on Thursday started a fully remote schedule after rising coronavirus rates led to officials pulling the plug on in-person learning.

Patch will update this story.