Catholic football team from Boston subjected to ‘racist language’ during game on Cape Cod

BOSTON — The president of Cathedral High School in Boston says his school’s football team was “the subject of racist language,” while playing a game on Saturday against Saint John Paul II School of Hyannis.

In a statement shared with Boston 25 News, Dan Carmody, President of Cathedral High School, said, “It is with feelings of disappointment and heartbreak that our football team reported they were the subject of racist language while playing a game they have worked so hard to enjoy. Our Cathedral family is one of unity, acceptance, loyalty and respect.”

The game was played at 1 p.m. Saturday at a field in Sandwich, according to a team schedule posted online.

“We have been in direct communication with the administrative team of Saint John Paul II and believe we both hold in the highest regard the value of essential human dignity for all people. We will continue to work together with the Saint John Paul II leadership team and trust there will be accountability and an opportunity for restoration and growth,” said Carmody.

The president of Saint John Paul II School, Christopher Keavy, tells Boston 25 News, that “effective immediately, on-field football activities have been suspended in order to support a thorough investigation. Appropriate steps, including any disciplinary actions, will be taken based upon the findings.”

“These allegations are deeply troubling to the entire JPII school community and do not reflect the school’s values and culture,” said Keavy. “Racism is a moral evil that has no place in our society. St. John Paul II School is committed to working diligently to ensure that this truth is upheld at all times.”

“During the course of Saturday’s football game between St. John Paul II School and Cathedral High School, Cathedral players reported to their coaches that one or more JPII players directed racial epithets toward them. These allegations were brought to the JPII administration, and school and Fall River Diocesan officials have initiated an investigation, realizing the gravity of the use of such language,” Keavy said.

Cathedral High School is Boston’s only coed Catholic school, according to its website. The college preparatory school serves students in grades 7 to 12 at its urban campus in the South End.

Carmody told Boston 25, “We are proud of our coaching staff and our players for handling the situation with class and dignity.”

Saint John Paull II School is associated with the Diocese of Fall River, and “serves students and families of all faiths across Cape Cod, the Islands, and southeastern Massachusetts who seek distinctive co-educational middle and high school Catholic education,” according to its website.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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