Staples Principal Denounces “Words of Bigotry and Hatred”

John Dodig: Words of intolerance are “unacceptable.” WN file photoIn an announcement to students and an e-mail to parents, Staples High School Principal John Dodig today denounced what he said were “words of bigotry and hatred” that have appeared at the Westport school.

Dodig, who has been in his job three years, including one as interim principal, said the reason he came to Staples was “because it is the most accepting high school in which I have worked.”

But he said recently as he walked around the school, “I have noticed or it has been reported to me that words of bigotry and hatred against several groups have appeared.”

Dodig added: “Someone who writes something hateful while in a bathroom stall has the guarantee of anonymity. After all, even if it were legal who would want to put a camera in a bathroom?

“There is no way for me or any of my staff to stop it. Needless to say, that is frustrating.”

He said he was appealing to the Staples student body for help and ventured to guess that to 99 percent of them, “these words of intolerance are unacceptable.”

“I know that those who choose to demean others in this way always talk about it.” Dodig said.

“In short, some of you know who is tarnishing our image as a school of inclusion. It is only you who can put an end to this sort of thing.

“You need to make it abundantly clear to your peers that behavior of this sort is unacceptable to you and you won’t tolerate it.”

The Staples principal said Thanksgiving is a perfect time to speak out and reaffirm “our uniqueness as an outstanding learning institution and a bastion of acceptance.”

He added, “To sit back and say nothing is not what the Staples community is all about. I am so proud of this school and of you. Don’t let a few cowards diminish who we are.”

Dodig asked students to share his message with parents and talk about it over the Thanksgiving break.