A Gauntlet Thrown Down in Medway

Above, screen shot of Dave Fitzgerald expressing his concerns to the School Committee.

The Medway School Committee got an earful from several parents during the time-limited public comment session about nine minutes into the meeting on Thursday, Sept. 18.

The meeting focused on concerns about PTO leader Angelica Crosby, including whether she should be honored on a plaque at Medway Memorial School. Speaker Dave Fitzgerald criticized Crosby for what he said was her divisive rhetoric, anti-white, anti-Christian comments, and promotion of political violence, citing her social media posts. Others argued that her actions pose a safety risk to students and contradict her role in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Specific incidents cited included her targeting conservatives by name within Medway and posting approvingly about Charlie Kirk's assassination and sharing a post that asserted  “violence is the only answer.”

According to the town website, Crosby serves on the Cultural Council and on the Indigenous Peoples' Commmittee. She is also reportedly a founder of Medway Marches and serves as a leader of the PTO.

School Committee Chair Cindy Sullivan limited total comment time to 20 minutes and individual comments to three minutes, though both limits were stretched in practice.

Speakers urged the committee to reconsider Crosby’s recognition on the school plaque and address her behavior and involvement with the school community so as to maintain school safety and integrity.

[The Posted Guidelines for Plaque Nomination are: Candidates for inclusion on the Memorial School plaque must have made a significant or memorable contribution to the town and/or school community. The nominee, through service, volunteerism or dedication must have made Medway school or town life better for those who follow. Residents, past or present, which have sacrificed their lives or freedom in service to their country, either as members of the military or as civilians contributing to military or peace efforts may also be nominated. ]

Speakers also asked the committee to:

• Investigate the concerns raised about Angelica Crosby's social media posts and behavior.

• Evaluate whether Crosby's position and influence within the school system, including her involvement with the PTO and Medway Marches, is appropriate given the concerns raised about her behavior.

• Establish clear standards of conduct for all adults affiliated with the school system, including volunteers and contractors, and enforce them consistently to ensure the safety and well-being of students and families.

Due to the rules of the Committee, no response was provided to the parents on Thursday. It did not appear that Crosby was present at the meeting.