Five senior football players at Smithfield High School have been reinstated to the team after a shocking incident in which they locked a Jewish freshman in a bathroom, sprayed Lysol through a grate—apparently to evoke memories of gas chambers—and hurled antisemitic slurs.
The decision by Superintendent Dawn Bartz has sparked outrage from parents, students, and community members who say it sends a dangerous message about antisemitism and bullying.
According to Adam Greenman, officials from Jewish advocacy groups spoke with the victim and others involved.
He confirmed that the incident involved the deliberate confinement of a Jewish freshman football player, accompanied by offensive and threatening behavior.
“In my 8-1/2 years here, this is the worst incident of antisemitism I have seen in Rhode Island,” Greenman said.
“There’s a big difference between graffiti and physical violence and reenactment of atrocities that have happened to the Jewish people. Every antisemitic incident is appalling, but this one is outrageous.”
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Community members have expressed anger over the superintendent’s reversal of disciplinary action.
Valerie Tutson commented, “Good Lord…,” while Catherine Procaccini added, “Outrageous conduct! Did she reinstate them? If so, shame on her! Of course, football players!”
Others have called the incident a hate crime and criticized the lack of transparency in how the school handled the matter.
Peter Kerwin, a concerned resident, said,
“This is no longer about students… it is about your values and the values of the district when you impose a punishment, then back off. The community and the victim and family deserve to know what led to the disciplinary process being upended. This is utterly irresponsible.”
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Similarly, Tony DeJesus emphasized, “Those students should have been expelled!”
While some community members speculate that the school committee or other authorities pressured the superintendent to reverse her decision, others call for broader education on tolerance and respect.
Charles Levesque noted,
“The best solution for these young people is to be taught how hurtful and wrong the actions were. These lessons must extend to the school and the entire community.”
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The reinstatement has left many parents and residents questioning the district’s priorities and the message it sends to students.
As outrage continues to mount online and in local discussions, community members are demanding accountability, transparency, and stronger measures to prevent antisemitism and bullying in Smithfield schools.
