Reposted from WCBV5

The Museum of Fine Arts is making changes after a group of minority middle school students said they were discriminated against during a spring field trip because of their race.

A video that will be sent to schools will outline new procedures at the museum and highlight increased staffing in select galleries.

"The majority of our visits are self-guided, but we don't want that to mean unguided," said Makeeba McCreary, the MFA Chief of Learning and Community Engagement.

On May 16, a group of 26 middle school students and chaperones from Davis Leadership Academy in Dorchester visited the museum. During the visit, students reported that they were met with racism and verbal abuse from visitors and staff during a self-guided tour.

Museum officials said they investigated the four racist incidents that were reported during the field trip. Investigators reviewed security footage of the three-hour visit. 

Two visitors who were found to have made racist comments to the students by museum officials had their memberships revoked and were banned from visiting the museum grounds.

The museum also investigated an allegation from a teacher, Marvelyne Lamy, who said an employee greeted students with a slur, "No food, no drink, no watermelon." The museum said that employee recalled telling students "no food, no drink and no water bottles" were allowed in the galleries, which is part of standard operating procedure. Officials said there was no way to definitively confirm or deny what was said or heard in the galleries.

Lastly, the museum responded to the teachers' complaint that a security guard followed the students into the museum. Officials said the class actually visited spaces patrolled by 13 separate security guards.

"Based on surveillance footage, it is understandable that, because of this movement, the students felt followed," officials wrote. "That was not our intention. It is unacceptable that they felt racially profiled, targeted and harassed. In response, the MFA is taking a number of steps to adapt security procedures -- specifically designed to make sure that all people feel welcome, safe and respected at the Museum."

The museum instituted additional training for all front-line staff on how to engage with incoming school groups about policies and guidelines.

“I am cautiously optimistic and encouraged by the work that has happened here," said City Councilor Kim Janey, who represents District 7. "But, again, there is much more work to be done.”

The museum said it will continue to work with school groups as an outside investigation into the reports of racism continues.

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