State AG review: Mamaroneck district didn’t properly address bullying in schools
As part of a settlement, the district has to make big changes to its policies on bullying, discrimination and harassment.
More Stories
The state Attorney General's Office has found that the Mamaroneck Union Free School District broke the law by not properly addressing bullying – bringing a sense of vindication for some parents.
As part of a settlement, the district has to make big changes to its policies on bullying, discrimination and harassment.
The probe started in 2020 when families accused administrators of not properly addressing the issue. The investigation found the district was violating Title VI and Title IX, which require schools to protect students from race and gender-based misconduct.
The Attorney General's Office findings included students of color who were “regularly the targets of racial epithets and sexually offensive harassment."
The district has agreed to:
Revise harassment policies
Punish retaliatory attacks
Provide written reports for each complaint
Provide school-based counseling
"With this agreement, the Mamaroneck Union Free School District has committed to take appropriate measures to meet its duty to children and their families," said Attorney General James in a written statement.
District Superintendent Robert Shaps and Board President Ariana Cohen sent a letter to the school community. They reiterated the district's dedication to inclusion and said more needed to be done.
"While the District does not agree in principle with every aspect of the OAG's Review, we believe that entering into the Assurance of Discontinuance is in the best interest of all who teach, learn, and reside in the District," the statement reads.
Shaps announced months ago that he would retire in December after 13 years in the district. His replacement, Charles Sampson, will take on the changes when he starts in November.
