BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN)....Sexual harassment allegations have been filed against Dr. Pascal Mubenga - the just-resigned Buffalo Public Schools superintendent and also against Central District school board member Lewis (Muki) Hawkins.
The allegations came forward in a notice of claim filed against the Board of Education and Mubenga. The claim was filed by Buffalo attorney John Elmore and the Manhattan-based Florestal Law Firm.
"It's disgusting," Elmore said of the allegations. "It's probably the reason Dr. Mubenga resigned."
Elmore expects to file a formal lawsuit after 90 days. Notice of claims have a 90 day waiting period before lawsuits can be filed.
"The allegations speak for itself," Elmore said. "Women, in this day and age, should not be treated to a hostile work environment."
Mubenga abruptly resigned during a July 13 closed-door executive session with the school board. Citing confidentiality clauses, board members have been mum on the reasons for Mubenga's resignation.
Central District representative Muki Hawkins, left, with interim superintendent Dr. Ebony Prophet-Bullock and Board President Dr. Kathy Evans-Brown.Jim Fink/WBEN
Hawkins, however, remains on the board and an internal investigation into sexual harassment allegations against one of the nine school board members remains in place.
The school district declined comment.
In the notice of claim, a female employee in the district administrative office alleges that in several documented instances between Dec. 17, 2025 and July 2, 2026 Mubenga harassed the employee including one instance (on March 5), Mubenga told the claimant that he was "in love" with her and as she attempted to leave his office, the superintendent allegedly seized her right hand and forced it onto his genitals while stating "see what you do to me."
Also in the notice of claim, it is alleged that Hawkins "engaged in unwelcome, sexually charged and thereafter hostile and threatening conduct toward the claimant."
Among the allegations against Hawkins:
* On Feb. 4, following a board meeting, the claimant drove Hawkins to his vehicle and during the drive, the Central District board member allegedly " leaned back, spread his legs, rubbed the inside of his thigh and stated 'Tackle me."
Hawkins then allegedly sent the claimant a text message stating "I'm glad you didn't tackle me."
The following day, the claimant reported the incident to Dr. Mubenga, who allegedly brushed aside the report and responded "Don't let Muki steal my girl."
* In May, the notice of claim stated that Hawkins allegedly "circulated false statements that the claimant was engaged in a sexual affair."
The notice of claim says because of harassment actions by Mubenga and Hawkins, the claimant "has sustained and continues to sustain injuries and damages including but not limited to emotional and psychological injury, humiliation, anexity and mental anguish; injury to her professional reputation and career; and economic loss."
