Woman Allegedly Brings Poisoned Brownies To School Board Meeting As Protest

Interesting massachusetts, protest, school board meetings admin June 5, 2026 0 Comments

Woman Allegedly Brings Poisoned Brownies To School Board Meeting As Protest

A woman allegedly brought laxative-laced brownies to a June 2 school committee meeting in Nantucket to protest the installation of artificial turf at a local stadium.

Nantucket School Committee Chair Laura Gallagher Byrne said she intends to file a police report following the incident involving Meghan Perry, according to the Nantucket Current. Video of the June 2 school board meeting appears to show Perry handing a tray of brownies to members of the Nantucket School Committee before admitting the food contains Ex-Lax.

“It’s my understanding they do have a non-detect level of Ex-Lax in them,” Perry said, according to the same video. “But I figured since we’re okay with a non-detect level of PFAS, it would probably be okay.” (RELATED: Priest In Clerical Attire Takes Down Single-Shoed Car Thief)

Perry brought the laxative-laced brownies to the meeting in apparent protest of the installation of artificial turf at Vito Capizzo Stadium, according to the Nantucket Current. Vito Capizzo Stadium is part of Nantucket Public Schools, according to the school district’s website. The stadium’s proposed turf renovation has been in place since 2013, but was paused in 2021. The school district renewed its interest in the renovation during the 2026 school year, the school district’s website indicates.

Artificial turf contains Per- and Poly-fluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), according to the Massachusetts Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI)’s website. While most PFAS break down into common degradation products, the subsequent chemicals do not break down as easily and can remain in the environment for hundreds of years. PFAS can also accumulate in plants, animals, and humans and can have negative health effects, including on the endocrine system. In addition, PFAS can contaminate drinking water.

Perry is a local activist and alleged she was concerned about the levels of PFAS in the artificial turf as well as potential water contamination, as the field is situated over a water aquifer, according to NBC News Boston.

Byrne reacted to the incident at the school committee meeting, telling the Nantucket Current she was “shocked” by what happened.

“Public comment is an opportunity to voice concerns in a manner that respects everyone in the room. It is not a place for displays that appear intended to provoke, ridicule, or diminish the dignity of the process or the people involved,” Byrne wrote in a statement shared with the outlet. “It is unfortunate that this step is necessary, but the safety of the committee, staff, and community must be taken seriously.”

Superintendent Elizabeth Hallett disposed of the brownies after the meeting, according to the Nantucket Current. None of the school committee members consumed the laxative-laced food.

It is possible to overdose on laxatives, according to Medline Plus. Ingredients such as lactulose, glycerin, and phenolphthalein commonly found in laxatives become poisonous when overconsumed. Symptoms of laxative overdose include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea. Dehydration is also a symptom of laxative overdose that mainly affects children.

The Daily Caller contacted the Nantucket Police Department, but did not receive a comment in time for publication.