Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - A second investigation into sexual and personal harassment allegations filed against former Buffalo Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Pascal Mubenga and Central District School Board member Muki Hawkins may soon be starting.
New York Attorney General Letitia James confirmed Thursday that her office is looking into the matter, but because of a possible investigation into the allegations, she declined further comment.
"They've reached out to us, and we're looking into the matter. We have to analyze the facts and talk to a number of individuals. So our office is involved," said James during a visit to Buffalo.
James' comments come at a time when the city's Board of Education is in the crossfire of criticism for a number of missteps including concerns about the lack of transparency and selecting a new board member against urging from Mayor Sean Ryan and Dr. Betty Rosa, state Education Commissioner to delay the decision.
While in Buffalo on July 29, Rosa said she will be sending a team of advisors to work with interim Superintendent Dr. Ebony Prophet-Bullock and a state education department-backed mentor to oversee the school board.
The district is also facing an $80 million budget deficit and may have to close at least five schools.
The Buffalo School Board last month hired the Hodgson Russ law firm to look into the allegations. Although, at the time, the Board said the probe was focused on one of its members, it declined to identify that one member.
Back on July 13, Mubenga abruptly resigned less than one year after taking the superintendent's post. Three days later, a notice of claim was filed, where the former superintendent and Hawkins were named in a series of sexual and personal harassment allegations against one of the district's female employees.
Hawkins still remains on the School Board and says the charges against him are unfounded.
Taken together, James says that and other issues surrounding the School Board has her concerned.
A sexual harassment lawsuit has been filed against the former schools superintendent and a current Board member
A sexual harassment lawsuit has been filed against the former schools superintendent and a current Board member
