Racist Taunt Shouted At 2 Needham Middle School Students

NEEDHAM, MA — Someone shouted a racist taunt at two middle school students Tuesday after school, school officials said. According to a statement from school officials, three young men in a gray sedan pulled up to two students at the intersection of Great Plain Avenue and Manning Street and asked, "Are you guys illegal?" before driving away.

In an email sent to parents, Jessica Downey, principal of High Rock School, and Tamatha Bibbo, principal for Pollard Middle School, said the taunt made the students feel "frightened, hurt, and confused."

"These actions are insensitive, hateful and racist; it is not what we value in our community," the email read. "Their sense of belonging was challenged and sense of safety, taken away."

Needham police are investigating the incident, but the school is also asking parents to talk with their children about this incident and teach them what they can do if they see something like this happen in the future. The email read:

"We ask that you take a moment to speak with your child(ren) about this report and encourage them to reflect on how this experience felt for the middle school students simply walking home from their schools in Needham. You can ask your child(ren) if they hear similar comments and/or observe similar behaviors. If so, how does this make them feel and what can they do about it? First, they can tell a trusted adult. Second, they can support others who are vulnerable. Third, they can denounce such behavior and work to improve the environment around them."