SYOSSET, N.Y. (WCBS 880) — Authorities on Long Island are investigating yet another anti-Asian incident within the Syosset School District, this time against an elementary school principal.
In May, parents at a Syosset middle school told WCBS 880 that an Asian-American student in the sixth grade was surrounded by a group of students at recess and was subjected to anti-Asian statements before being either kicked or shoved.
The Syosset School District told parents it would investigate the incident, but it remains unclear what came of the probe.
On Tuesday, the Syosset School District, in a letter to the community, said another investigation has since been opened, after the principal of South Grove Elementary School, Mi Jung An, became the victim of harassment with a racial tone.
According to the district, the harassment has included anonymous letters sent to the district's main office and handmade signs that have been posted around the school.
The district stressed that all letters and signs have been reported to police and officials have released a statement slamming the harassment.
“The district condemns all acts of hate or intolerance, and we will continue to cooperate with the police investigation,” said Superintendent Tom Rogers. “Divisive personal attacks against any member of our community are an affront to us all.”
However, news of the harassment has sparked outrage among some members in the community, including Nassau County Legislator Josh Lafazan.
Related
“To see it in my backyard, I’m absolutely fuming,” Lafazan said. “South Grove is one of the best public elementary schools in the country.”
Lafazan, who's also running for Congress, noted he was on the Board of Education in the district when the principal was hired and is hurt to know that she is being made to feel unsafe at her job.
He is pleading with Long Islanders to help police with the investigation.
“I'll tell you my grandfather's refugee the Holocaust, I know all too well the consequences and history of what happens when hatred goes unchecked,” Lafazan said. “I unequivocally condemn what is happened and I would encourage everyone to speak up and more importantly, if you have information, please call 911 so we can hold these people accountable.”
Asian-American residents in Syosset have told WCBS 880 they have been harassed simply walking down the street.
Related
