![Wayland Historical Society Executive Director Scarlett Hoey explains the history of the Cochituate Gatehouse.
"The exterior is still a nice monument to remember buildings [involved in] water history," Hoey said. "We all drink lots of water, and it's such an important resource that we kind of take for granted nowadays."](https://waylandstudentpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/IMG_2024-1200x800.jpg)
On Friday, Oct. 31, Principal Allyson Mizoguchi sent a memo at 7:30 a.m. to Wayland High School parents and students regarding a racist incident that occurred in the boys locker room.
According to Mizoguchi, a yellow plastic “children at play” street safety figure, wearing the athletic jersey of a Black student, was found hanging by a belt around its neck from a ceiling pipe in the boys locker room.
“This centuries-old symbol of hate and racial violence evokes deep emotion and has no place in our community,” Mizoguchi wrote.
The incident is currently being investigated, and Mizoguchi says students responsible for the incident have already been identified.
“At this time, our investigation is ongoing,” Mizoguchi wrote. “Accountability for those involved and support for those impacted are our priorities as we take next steps.”
Mizoguchi concluded her message by reaffirming the school’s commitment to inclusion and safety.
“As we continue an active investigation of this incident, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and dignity of every individual who learns and works at WHS,” Mizoguchi said. “We do not tolerate acts of hate in Wayland, and we will take all appropriate actions to ensure accountability, learning and healing within our community.”
On Monday, Nov. 3, a rally organized by Wayland Can will take place outside of WHS from 7:45 a.m. to 8:30 a.m..
This is a developing story subject to updates
Chanel Daly • Nov 6, 2025 at 10:44 PM
Dr. Fleishman, Ms Rivers, and the Wayland community,
There are not enough adjectives to describe how disgusting this “new” racial incident is. I don’t have the energy to continue fighting. Nor do many of the parents. They are tired. They are disappointed. They are angry. The district really needs to do something.
Here are some of the questions Boston parents and children, district-wide, have been asking:
– Is there a history of this child being bullied?
– Kids are worried about this child’s safety and their own.
-There are several boys of color on the football team. Are they okay, and what supports are being offered?
-Of course, parents want to know the consequences of this heinous act.
Wayland’s school goals are to create a culture of belonging and inclusion. Yet, time and again, the community continues to fail at executing and maintaining these goals. Is practicing a hanging at Wayland high school accepted ?
Wayland parents are reaching out to me with sympathy and support, asking if my child is okay. Boston parents are evaluating if Wayland is a safe community to educate our children. The incident…another incident…is a very serious reminder to all of us…it is not safe. We’ve witnessed the N word sprayed across the pool house, then the swastika, and now a fake hanging.
Parents have contacted METCO Inc. seeking to relocate their children to safer school districts. However, they were informed that doing so would require withdrawing from the program entirely and starting over, a policy that unfairly traps our children in environments where they feel unsafe. This must change. Wayland alumni have also spoken out, affirming that the persistent racism they endured caused lasting pain and lifelong trauma. Their voices further amplify the urgent need for reform.
Our families do not feel included. Our families do not feel they belong. The town of Wayland and school district need to stand ten toes down on their stated principles and prove otherwise. The response needs to be prompt. It needs to be public. It needs to be powerful and persuasive. For us, it doesn’t matter if this was a METCO student or not, I don’t think you can be silent on this. Parents are upset. Children are afraid. Bottom line. End of story.