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Nantucket Activist Hands Brownies to School Committee, Says They Contain Trace Laxative

The stunt prompted a police referral and a formal report and has increased scrutiny of testing and safeguards for the voter-approved artificial-turf project.

Overview

  • At a School Committee meeting on Tuesday, June 2, Meghan Perry approached the lectern, handed a foil-covered plate of brownies to members and said the treats contained a “non-detect level” of Ex-Lax laxative.
  • No committee members ate the brownies and Superintendent Elizabeth Hallett disposed of them after the meeting, and Chair Laura Gallagher Byrne filed a report but said she does not plan to press criminal charges.
  • The incident was referred to the Nantucket Police Department, which has declined public comment as officials review the matter and the school district said it will examine public-comment procedures.
  • The protest targeted a voter-approved $26 million renovation of Vito Capizzo Stadium that would install artificial turf, with opponents warning that PFAS and microplastics could reach the island’s sensitive aquifer.
  • School officials say the new field will not intentionally include added PFAS and that engineered drainage, catchment and a testing regime being negotiated with local environmental groups are meant to limit any contamination risks.