School abuse allegations on Long Island
Babylon High School alumni have made allegations of abuse and misconduct involving past and current teachers and trainers in the district. The New York attorney general’s office has opened an investigation.
BABYLON, NY – Former students told FOX 5 NY that it is the worst kept secret in Babylon. Babylon High School alumni have made allegations of abuse and misconduct involving past and current teachers and trainers in the district. They say it has been covered up for decades.
Graduate Darcy Bennet said her tennis coach tried to kiss her.
“I originally got in touch with my story when I was 16 and it wasn’t taken seriously,” said Bennet. “And now I’m 30 years old and I’m coming back to the place where I was traumatized.”
New York attorney general Letitia James announced Tuesday that she had opened a civil investigation.
Barbara Maier graduated in 2008 and claims to have been sexually molested by the same trainer as Bennet. The mother feels relieved after speaking out publicly.
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“We were always told: ‘Take care of your skirt, because there was always someone among us who looked up,'” said Maier. “It’s not just for Babylon, it’s not just for my daughter, it’s for every student in the country.”
The AG’s announcement comes just a week after former students and parents showed up at a Babylon school board meeting asking for answers. Five employees are on paid vacation.
The district agreed to cooperate in all investigations and to offer additional training for staff and students.
“How do we protect these people?” said Maier. “How long do we let them have access to children?”
To help ensure the safety and well-being of past and current students, survivors are trying to open an anonymous tip-off line.
A board meeting is scheduled for December 13th, according to the Babylon district website.
Statement from the Attorney General
“Every student on Long Island and all over New York deserves to feel safe and secure in school. The reports of sexual abuse of students by their teachers and coaches are troubling and need to be investigated in the school district because of these troubling allegations. The safety and well-being of students, past and present, are of paramount importance and we will do everything in our power to protect their right to a safe learning environment. “- Attorney General Letitia James
Statement from the Suffolk County Executive
“I admire the brave people who have come forward, both past and current students, to tell their stories. Your allegations must be thoroughly investigated and I am confident that this will now be done with the Attorney General’s investigation Parents with children attending the Babylon School District, I would also like to thank the many excellent teachers and professionals I have met personally for the excellent Thank you for the work you do for my children and all of the children in our county. “—Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone
Joint statement by the Suffolk County DA Office and Suffolk County PD
“The Suffolk County District Attorney and the Suffolk County Police Department continue to actively investigate ongoing sexual abuse and misconduct allegations in the Babylon School District. The Department advises anyone suspected of being a victim of a crime to contact the Suffolk Special Victims Section Contact County Police Department at 631-852-6167.
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