LOWELL, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — A Lowell School Committee member is being asked to resign after using a slur to describe a former city employee on a live public access television program.
Appearing as a guest on the opinion program "City Life" on Wednesday night -- Lowell School Committee member Bob Hoey used an anti-Semitic slur when speaking about former Lowell Public Schools Chief Financial Officer Gary Frisch -- who is a Jewish man --- saying Frisch would of course know a lot about money.
Robert Trestan, the Regional Director of the Anti-Defamation League of New England, said Hoey must resign immediately.
"It's shocking and unacceptable for an elected official to be using an anti-Semitic slur on live television," Trestan said. "Typically the only people who use this type of slur in 2021 are neo-Nazis and white supremacists."
Lowell Mayor John Leahy is also calling for Hoey's resignation, calling the use of the slur "offensive conduct that shocks the conscience."
Leahy has called for a joint meeting of the Lowell City and School Committees in the coming weeks to discuss a motion for Hoey's resignation -- with support from the City Manager.
WBZ NewsRadio has reached out to Hoey for comment, awaiting a response.
WBZ NewsRadio's Karyn Regal (@Karynregal) reports.
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Written by Rachel Armany
(Photo: Getty Images)