Riverhead BOE Member Apologizes For 'Harmful' Words About Brentwood

RIVERHEAD, NY — Laurie Downs, vice president of the Riverhead Central School District's Board of Education, has apologized for comments she made at a recent civic association meeting, during which she expressed concerns about crime in town and reportedly said, "I don't want us becoming a Brentwood."

According to a post in Riverhead Local, Downs was speaking about her concerns about possible gangs, and that students were getting jumped and robbed; Riverhead Town Police Chief David Hegermiller said the data did not support those fears.

The comments were made at a Heart of Riverhead Civic Association meeting on March 18 during which Hegermiller was engaging in a dialogue with the public.

Her remarks sparked a response from the District 1 Youth Advisory Board in Brentwood: "By sensationalizing the issue of gang violence, Downs has contributed to a harmful narrative that perpetuates fear and misunderstanding," the group said. "This type of rhetoric only serves to reinforce negative stereotypes and promote discrimination against communities like Brentwood. While it is important to address the issue of gang violence, Down's statements only serve to stigmatize and further marginalize already vulnerable communities."

The YAB added that they are committed to promoting inclusivity, diversity, and equity and will continue to advocate for marginalized communities and against all forms of discrimination.

Downs, they said, "should immediately apologize and retract her statements made concerning the community of Brentwood. We call on Ms. Downs to publicly apologize for her comments and to take steps to educate herself on the realities and strengths of the Brentwood community. We also urge the Riverhead School Board to take appropriate action to address this matter and to ensure that all board members uphold the values of diversity, inclusion, and respect."

Downs spoke with Patch Monday. She said she was at the civic meeting as a resident. "I was not speaking for the Riverhead Board of Education," she said. "With that said, I sincerely apologize to the Brentwood community and to the Latino community as a whole and the Latino community of Brentwood. I didn't mean any harm — however, unfortunately, it did. The words I used were derogatory and harmful, there was no need for them. Violence has no color or community."

Downs said she reached out on her own volition to the Riverhead Anti-Bias Task Force, asking for guidance and to further educate herself, "to expand and grow and learn. I also want to learn more about other diverse and vital communities. "

The ABTF told her they would work with her to help facilitate that process, she said.

"I also would like to thank the District 1 Youth Advisory Board for bringing this forward and showing me my wrongs," Downs said.

A change.org petition was created to demand Downs rescind her comments.

"We stand together as members of the Brentwood community and also Brentwood alumni and we will not tolerate any form of discrimination or prejudice. We hope that this incident will serve as a reminder of the importance of embracing diversity and promoting mutual understanding," the YAB said.

Brentwood School Board President Eileen Felix also weighed in: "It is absolutely deplorable and unconscionable, a community leader, board of education vice president, at that, would perpetuate the false narrative that Brentwood is a crime ridden and gang infested community! How dare you!”

New York State Senator Monica Martinez, a 1995 Brentwood alumni, added: "As an alum and former educator of the Brentwood School District, I am appalled by the remarks made about Brentwood by Riverhead School board member Laurie Downs. Ms. Downs should know better than to stereotype and make discriminatory remarks toward a community she knows very little about; a community of hardworking families. Ms. Downs owes Brentwood an apology and should take the time to learn the beauty of diversity Brentwood encompasses."

Many Brentwood alumni and students also spoke out.

Class of 2023 student Ericka Henriquez said: "Laurie Downs’ insensitive comments about our amazing Brentwood community will by no means go unnoticed. Her comment fails to address the hardworking nature of our residents and instead focuses solely on prejudice and discriminatory remarks. She has never experienced what it is truly like to live in our beautiful community of Brentwood. . . It’s time to abandon these false and insulting narratives about Brentwood and instead focus on the fact that our community is overflowing with creative and persevering students and residents.

Added Class of 2022 student Juan Delagdo: “You owe not just the community of Brentwood an apology, but the students that walk through your own hallways, as well.”

Suffolk County Legislator Sam Gonzalez, Brentwood School District faculty members and students, as well as other community leaders and advocates, plan to speak out Tuesday in response to Downs' comments on Tuesday, at 5:30 p.m., at Riverhead High School in the music room, #123. Riverhead High School is located at 700 Harrison Avenue.

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