Community Q&A

A video showing racist behavior has been circulating on social media and has raised serious concerns throughout our community. The incident depicted in the video took place off school property.

Yes. Investigations are ongoing, and the district is reviewing the allegations that have been brought forward. We understand that families want answers as quickly as possible. These situations take time to investigate properly, including gathering information and speaking with those involved. Our responsibility is to get the facts right and address the full situation appropriately.

Racism and discrimination have no place in our schools or our community. 

Every student deserves to feel safe, respected and supported. We take allegations of racist behavior seriously and will address confirmed violations in accordance with our Code of Conduct and district policies.

We cannot share specific disciplinary information about individual students. Student privacy limits what we can discuss publicly. The district is following the appropriate processes to investigate the allegations and determine next steps for all parties involved.

We understand the frustration and the desire for more information. 

At the same time, we have a responsibility to protect student privacy and ensure that the facts are established before sharing conclusions. 

Not everything circulating on social media or being reported publicly is accurate, and sharing unverified information can make an already difficult situation worse.

The incident depicted in the video took place off school property. Regardless of where an incident occurs, we take concerns about student safety, racism and discrimination seriously. We are reviewing the information available to us and addressing concerns that fall within the district’s responsibility.

The district has also received other reports of inappropriate behavior, and those concerns are being taken into consideration as part of our ongoing review.

While there were circulating rumors, there was no organized walkout on Friday, October 16. Other media reports have suggested a walkout involving 70 students. This is incorrect.

Student safety is our highest priority. In conjunction with the Colonie Police Department, district administration and our School Safety team, we are working to address the situation while making sure students can come to school, focus on learning and feel safe and respected.

Anyone with a specific safety concern should contact school administration so it can be addressed.

We are increasing staff presence in the building and working with the Colonie Police Department to provide increased police presence. School administration will also be opening small-group discussions with students to reinforce expectations, discuss solutions, give students an opportunity to ask questions and remind them of the importance of treating one another with respect.

We expect all students to treat one another with respect, follow the Code of Conduct and make choices that contribute to a safe learning environment. We understand that students have strong feelings about this situation and should have opportunities to express their concerns appropriately. However, harassment, threats, intimidation, retaliation and racist behavior will not be tolerated.

All students have the right to express their views peacefully and respectfully, as long as that expression does not disrupt the school day or interfere with teaching and learning.

We encourage families to continue having conversations with their children about racism, respect, accountability and the impact our words and actions can have on others.These conversations are important, especially when students are seeing videos and reading comments on social media. Encourage your children to think critically about what they see online, avoid spreading information they cannot verify, and treat others with dignity, even when emotions are running high.

Students and families with firsthand information or concerns should contact school administration directly.

The district takes allegations of racism seriously and will address confirmed violations in accordance with its policies and procedures.

This situation is also a reminder of the importance of continuing conversations about respect, inclusion and how we treat one another.