Fox Lane Abuse Probe: Tip Line Open, Parents Want Full Disclosure

BEDFORD, NY — Parents say the Bedford Central School District is still not being completely forthcoming about special needs students being abused, bullied and sexually exploited at Fox Lane High School.

Families are calling for the Bedford Central School District to share findings of an independent investigation surrounding photos taken of special needs students in Fox Lane High School bathrooms.

"If the District is truly invested in restoring parents’ trust, they must be as transparent as possible," said Paul Barger of Barger & Gaines, the law firm representing victims’ families. "This means disclosing the process by which they select this third-party investigator, and, disclosing the results of the investigation in the appropriate forum."

Barger is speaking on behalf of the victims and their families to protect their identities. The spokesperson would only confirm that multiple families have sought legal representation and are requesting information pertaining to the investigation commissioned by the Bedford Central School District Board of Education.

SEE ALSO:

• School District Responds To Alarming Allegations Of Abuse
• Parents Say Fox Lane Trying To 'Run Out Clock' On Abuse Scandal

In March, several parents of students with special needs learned that their children were the victims of abuse at the hands of fellow students, Barger said. They were told Fox Lane High School students were taking photos while students, some of whom are non-verbal, were using the bathroom and those photos were later shared online.

Preliminary information revealed to the parents indicated there are as many as four victims and five perpetrators. Parents also learned the incidents began taking place as early as September of last year, according to the attorney.

"Every parent should be able to trust that their school district is protecting the dignity and safety of its students," Barger said. "This becomes even more important for students who can’t speak up for themselves."

The Bedford Central School District Board of Education announced in March it would hire a third-party investigator. Some board members, however, expressed reservations about making the results of the probe available to the families affected by the abuse in school.

"If we, as parents, are to ever feel comfortable sending our children to school, we must know that our District is doing everything within its power to stop this from ever happening again," said one parent represented by Barger. "The only way to know what actually happened, and how to truly stop it, is for all parties to be involved in this investigation."

A confidential tip line has been created for anyone who has information about the disturbing incidents. All communication will be kept confidential. Information can be provided by calling or texting 914-898-9292.