Schools
Dedham Football Coach Won't Return Due To 'Differences In Values'
After the announcement, the Human Rights Commission issued a statement of support to the district and encouraged commitment to anti-racism.
DEDHAM, MA — Dedham High School Football Coach David Flynn will not return this year.
Dedham school officials explained the decision in a letter to parents last week. According to the letter, school officials met with Flynn to discuss "differences."
The letter said, "significant, repeatedly expressed, philosophical differences with the direction, goals, and values of the school district," was the reason he was not reappointed. Flynn led the team for nearly a decade.
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The letter was signed by Dedham Superintendent Michael J. Welch, Dedham High School Principal Jim Forrest and Dedham High School Athletic Director Steve Traister.
The specific "differences" were not disclosed in the letter, but on Wednesday, the Dedham Human Rights Commission issued a statement supporting the school district and encouraged "community-wide commitment to anti-racism, equity, and inclusivity."
Find out what's happening in Dedhamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
A statement from the members of the Dedham Human Rights Commission in support of Dedham Public Schools and to encourage community-wide commitment to anti-racism, equity, and inclusivity. pic.twitter.com/UPmMxk7bsu
— Dedham Human Rights Commission (@DedhamHuman) January 27, 2021
On Thursday, a group of students and athletes from Dedham High School gathered outside the school to show support for Flynn. Flynn is also a special education teacher at Braintree High School.
Due to COVID-19 regulations, the MIAA moved the high school football season back to Feb. 22, giving Dedham about one month to find a new coach.
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