Jewish groups seek answers after Rhode Island high school football players in antisemitic hazing case reinstated

"Two Jewish advocacy groups are demanding answers after Smithfield, Rhode Island, school officials reinstated several football players accused of taking part in what they called a "horrific antisemitic hazing attack." In a joint statement Thursday, the Jewish Alliance for Greater Rhode Island and the Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center condemned the district's decision to let the players return, calling it a betrayal of the community's trust and a setback in the fight against antisemitism."

"According to the statement, on Oct. 1, five Smithfield High School football players were involved in an antisemitic hazing incident aimed at a Jewish freshman football player. Adam Greenman, president of The Jewish Alliance of Rhode Island, told NBC 10 WJAR that, from his understanding, the five football team members locked the Jewish freshman in a bathroom, sprayed Lysol, and yelled antisemitic epithets at him."

"But, then on Oct. 22, the freshman player attended practice and found the football players involved in the incident "were dressed and ready to play," the statement said. In response to the reversal, Bartz emailed The Providence Journal with a one-sentence statement: "The disciplinary process has concluded, and we will not be discussing details involving students." The groups are now asking for a formal apology from the superintendent. They are also demanding that the district implement professional development for staff and require anti-bias education"

Smithfield school officials reinstated several football players accused of participating in an antisemitic hazing attack against a Jewish freshman. Two Jewish advocacy groups condemned the reinstatement as a betrayal of community trust and a setback in combating antisemitism. The Oct. 1 incident allegedly involved five players locking the freshman in a bathroom, spraying Lysol and shouting antisemitic epithets. The district initially suspended the players for the season but reversed the decision by Oct. 22, when the players were back at practice. Superintendent Dawn Bartz said the conduct was "inappropriate conduct" and noted disciplinary proceedings have concluded. The groups demand a formal apology, staff training, and required anti-bias education.

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