A message from our President, Fr. Daniel J. Lydon, C.S.V., and the Saint Viator High School community

As many of you are aware, the Saint Viator vs. Deerfield contest earlier this week was stopped at the 22nd minute mark of the second half for a period of 10 minutes. Our Athletic Director, along with the officials, coaches, and administration from Deerfield were informed that there were antisemitic remarks shouted from the stands by an unidentified spectator. The hate-filled remark was directed at Deerfield student-athlete(s).

Several Deerfield players confirmed hearing a male voice shout antisemitic slurs. To that end, one young woman informed the referee, at which time he immediately stopped play. The remarks reported by the girls are deplorable and unacceptable.

From the outset, our community was disturbed and greatly saddened that antisemitic remarks were made, and even worse, directed at young people.  

 

A team of administrators began an investigation immediately. Perhaps we focused too long on trying to identify the perpetrator, and today we need to speak out against such abhorrent behavior.

 

Saint Viator High School and the entire Viatorian community make every effort to provide a community of faith that supports and recognizes those of all faiths. We strongly condemn antisemitism, and we will not tolerate hateful acts or discrimination of any kind. Our Gospel values and official church teachings compel that we condemn this sort of behavior. 

 

Should anyone have information pertaining to this incident or those involved, please contact me or our Athletic Director, Mr. Jason Kuffel, immediately. If we discover that a member of our community is responsible, we will hold the person(s) accountable.

 

At this time in our nation, we must all speak loudly and clearly against antisemitism. We regret that earlier we only sent a message like this to our soccer families and to the Deerfield athletic director. Today we speak out to the wider community.

Fr. Dan Lydon, C.S.V. '73

President