BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN)......For the second time in the past month, embattled Buffalo School Board member Lewis "Muki" Hawkins has been exonerated concerning allegations of sexual and personal harassment directed towards female members of the Buffalo Public Schools district.
The 42-page but heavily redacted public report, conducted by Hodgson Russ LLP partner Luisa Bostick, said that - following several extensive interviews - it appears that Hawkins, who represents the Central District, may have offended some of the district's female employees but did not cross any legal lines.
Current school board members, contacted by WBEN, all declined to comment.
A release from district spokesman Jeffrey Hammond, said there would be no further comment.
Bostick said the lack of witnesses led to her conclusion.
"Based on the witness interviewed does not indicate that Hawkins treated female employees, any differently that he treated other members of the superintendent's cabinet."
Bostick looked into seven specific allegations filed against Hawkins between spring time and early June.
On Aug. 26, School Board President Dr. Kathy Evans-Brown announced that Hawkins had been exonerated of the allegations and promised the report would issued publicly within "seven to 10 days."
Instead, the heavily-redacted report wasn't released until late on Sept. 18.
Hawkins and former Superintendent Dr. Pascal Mbunga were named in a July 16 notice of claim that alleged both sexually and personally harassed school district employees.
Mbunga resigned on July 13 - three days before the notice of claim was filed.
A second notice of claim against Hawkins was filed in late July.
Pre-trial depositions are being scheduled, said attorney John Elmore who represents the district's female employees who were allegedly sexually and personally harassed.
Hawkins remains on the board.
The allegations coupled with other factors including a $60 million budget deficit and relocating the Leonardo Da Vinci High School has prompted state Education Commissioner Dr. Betty Rosa to send in a team to help oversee lingering district issues,
Buffalo School Board member Muki Hawkins still subject of two possible lawsuits
Buffalo School Board member Muki Hawkins still subject of two possible lawsuits
