Carmel families raise concerns over comments by school board member in video
A member of the Carmel Central School District Board of Education is facing backlash over comments he made about Zohran Mamdani. Some families are calling the remarks upsetting.
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A member of the Carmel Central School District Board of Education is facing backlash over comments he made about Zohran Mamdani. Some families are calling the remarks upsetting.
"There is no way to misconstrue that kind of level of hate," one parents tells News 12.
Families within the district say the controversial comments were made by Michael Torpey.
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"I'm just more upset and appalled and I definitely think something needs to be done," says Abigail Santana, whose child goes to school in the Carmel Central School District.
They say they came across the comments in a video on social media.
The video shows Torpey saying in part: "We accomplished more at our school board meeting tonight than Zohran Mamdani has in his entire career in public service which didn't exist until tonight, thanks to the good people of New York City and their infinite, boundless wisdom. So New York City congratulations and thank you for doing your part in the Islamic takeover of western society. Good luck."
Torpey tells News 12 his personal views no way represent the Carmel Board of Education or the Carmel school district.
He sent News 12 the following statement:
"I would like to apologize for my recent comment regarding the NYC mayoral race and retract my earlier statement. While it was shared privately and not made in any official capacity, I recognize that I should have chosen my words more carefully. My remarks were too broad and could be interpreted as carrying negative implications for the Islamic community, which was never my intention."
News 12 received a joint statement from Carmel Central School District Board of Education Superintendent of Schools, Michael Plotkin:
"The Carmel Central School District condemns the recently circulated video created by one of our trustees. The video is offensive, and we will not tolerate any attacks on members of our community, in this instance our Muslim families.
We firmly condemn all forms of discrimination, bias, and hate. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to fostering a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive environment for every student, staff member, and family, regardless of their background, culture, or faith."
Families in the district are demanding action, including an investigation.
"He is supposed to represent all kids. He needs to be gone, he needs to walk away or the board needs to remove him," said Mike Faloon, whose has a child in the Carmel Central School District.
