FHS Makes the News Again, For the Wrong Reasons

Above, image from WHDH 7 News Friday evening story on FHS incident.

Once again, Franklin is in the news, this time thanks to ‘homophobic, racist, and anti-Semitic’ slurs directed at a visiting baseball team from Sharon, with those remarks reportedly coming from Franklin spectators.

The incident earned the town immediate news coverage on Boston 25 television, WHDH 7 News followed, complete with a helicopter flying overhead.

Rev. Dr. Jacob Juncker, pastor of the United Methodist Church and a member of the Franklin Interfaith Council, said he did not yet have a comment on this specific incident but suggested, “wearing both of his hats” that the 2021 Statement by the Franklin Interfaith Council issued in regard to earlier, similar incidents, still applies. In part, the statement reads as follows:

Hate speech and vandalism against members of the LGBTQIA+ community, racial slurs, and anti-Semitic graffiti cannot and should not be tolerated. We cannot allow ourselves to become numb to hate-filled language and actions no matter how frequently they may occur in our community or elsewhere. We must speak out and act against hate to build a better community.

Each of our faith traditions calls us to love: to value the sacred worth of everyone, treating each person with dignity and respect. To be very specific, let us love Franklin. We resolve to create a beloved community where all persons regardless of their gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnic background, age, stature, ability, creed, or faith can find a home.

Therefore, we commit ourselves to love Franklin. And, we ask you to commit yourself to love Franklin too.

High School Principal Hanna sent a letter to school families Friday afternoon, quoted by Boston 25. He reportedly wrote, “We denounce such behavior and are outraged. Our hearts go out to the Sharon community. There is no place for such behavior in our schools and at school events.”

“This behavior is highly inconsistent with our core values and the inclusive culture we are committed to creating at Franklin High School.,” he continued.