Massachusetts HS football coach fired for use of anti-Semitic language in play calls
Duxbury High School Football coach Dave Maimaron has been fired after using anti-Semitic language in his play calls, according to the Boston Globe.
Per the Globe, Duxbury used anti-Semitic language and a Holocaust term to call audibles at the line of scrimmage during its season opener against North Plymouth High School. Maimaron was not present for Duxbury’s most recent game, a 37-0 win over Silver Lake High School, on March 19, following the incident against North Plymouth. Duxbury has canceled its varsity football game scheduled with Hingham High School on Friday night.
It is currently unknown whether Maimaron will retain his role as a teacher in the Duxbury school system.
“The outrage is real, warranted, and we hear it,” superintendent John Antonucci wrote in a letter to the Duxbury community. “The fact that members of our school community used such offensive language, including anti-Semitic language, is horrifying and disappointing. We are collaborating with the Anti-Defamation League regarding the seriousness of the allegations, and on our short-term and long-term response.”
The entire letter Antonnuci wrote to the Duxbury community can be read below:
We want to provide a follow-up to our message on Monday regarding the Duxbury Football program. First, we want to be perfectly clear that we recognize how serious this is, and it is getting our undivided attention. We also recognize that this is an emotionally-charged issue for our community, and many outside of our community. The outrage is real, warranted, and we hear it. The fact that members of our school community used such offensive language, including anti-Semitic language, is horrifying and disappointing. We are collaborating with the Anti-Defamation League regarding the seriousness of the allegations, and on our short-term and long-term response.
Before we share more information with you, please find below two very important announcements:
First, as of today, Duxbury has severed ties with Dave Maimaron as Head Football Coach.
Second, in collaboration with the Hingham administration, a decision has been made to cancel the varsity football game scheduled for Friday night, as well as the JV and Freshman games scheduled for Saturday and Monday. A decision about future games and the fate of the football season will be made at a later date.
Independent Investigation
We know from many conversations, emails, and online posts that many people want action now, and we appreciate that sentiment. However, we are still in the middle of an active investigation and it is important that we get accurate information and facts in this case. To this end, the District has hired Edward R. Mitnick of Just Training Solutions, LLC to assist us in conducting a full investigation of all of the allegations made against the program in the most expeditious manner possible. Mr. Mitnick is an experienced attorney and investigator, and has provided services to employers throughout the United States for over thirty years.
Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Although this most recent issue has brought many concerns to light, please know that the Duxbury Public Schools has, in recent years, shone a spotlight on the need to promote antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion in our public schools. In short, we had already identified this as a top priority before this week. Among other things, it is a key component of our Strategic Plan and the basis of the work of our Antiracism Task Force. Furthermore, we have established partnerships and regular communication with a number of community groups who share our commitment to this work, such as Duxbury For All, the Interfaith Council, and Duxbury Rotary, just to name a few. We will rely on these relationships as we work to ensure that members of the school community understand the importance of inclusion and respect.
