'Stand Together In Outrage': Racist Words Mar North Shore Graduation Livestream

LYNNFIELD, MA — Multiple Lynnfield town employees were placed on leave this weekend after those employees were identified using "inappropriate and racist words" during a livestream of the high school graduation ceremony on Friday night.

The video and audio feed were seen at about 7 p.m. and heard by people waiting to watch the graduation.

Town Administrator Robert Dolan said he learned of the incident Friday night and that those speaking were identified and placed on leave "pending a full investigation of the video and any other evidence."

"The Select Board, Superintendent of Schools and Police Chief have all been informed of the allegations and we shall begin the investigation immediately," said Dolan in a joint statement released with Assistant Town Administrator Robert Curtin. "We, as town leaders, stand together in outrage over what has been reported this evening and wish to state emphatically that racist language and behavior has no place in our town and will be dealt with immediately."

The statement said it was "especially regrettable" that the incident occurred on what should have been a night to celebrate the graduates.

"Such incidents, however, must be confronted directly and openly and a full investigation and appropriate action will be taken," the statement said.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)