On January 16, 2020, Queens elected officials – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng, Senator John C. Liu, Assemblymembers Edward C. Braunstein and Nily Rozic, and Council Members Barry Grodenchik, Peter Koo, and Paul Vallone – announced that they sent a letter to New York City Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza demanding answers about reports of harassment and sexual assault of students at Marie Curie Middle School (M.S. 158) in Bayside.

According to recent reports, school personnel did little to address the sexual harassment of an eighth grader, and failed to stop an attack in which a 13-year-old student was beaten. In addition, another student was reportedly sexually abused when a classmate forcibly put his finger in his rectum.

“These reported incidents are horrifying, and the apparent lack of action is deeply troubling and absolutely unacceptable,” said Congresswoman Meng. “No student should be subjected to harassment and violence at school. Our schools must be safe and welcoming environments for each and every student. When students are in school, they should be focused on learning, not worrying about their safety. Chancellor Carranza must immediately address the issues we’ve raised, and I await his reply to our letter. As the mother of two young boys who attend local public schools, I firmly believe that nothing is more important than ensuring the safety of our children.”

“Students must feel safe and secure in their classrooms, and parents and teachers must trust that schools and the Department of Education will address problems swiftly, effectively and fairly,” said State Senator Liu. “Recent reports from this middle school indicate that procedures are not firmly in place to deal with incidents of harassment. We are ready to work with the school community and DOE to improve their response and ensure our school children can learn without fear.”

“I am deeply concerned by reports of bullying, harassment, and sexual assault at M.S. 158,” said Assemblyman Braunstein. “I join with my colleagues in demanding answers from DOE on what changes will be made to ensure that our students can learn in a secure and supportive environment.”

“The reports coming out of M.S. 158 Marie Curie send an alarming message that students’ safety is in jeopardy,” said Assemblywoman Rozic. “Families deserve peace of mind in knowing that their children’s safety is of the utmost priority and that no effort is spared to ensure appropriate steps are being taken to hold individuals accountable. I look forward to the completion of DOE’s ongoing investigation and working with my colleagues to identify a solution that strengthens student protections and restores stability within the school.”

“The Education Department must have zero tolerance for harassment or violence in our schools,” said Councilman Grodenchik. “Every student has a right to learn in a safe environment.”

“It must be the first priority of the DOE to ensure the safety and security of all children within its walls,” said Councilman Koo. “Concerns of harassment of any kind must be treated with the utmost sincerity and sensitivity so that our students, parents and teachers can remain confident in the integrity of our school system.”

“As a representative and a parent, I am deeply disturbed by the recent incidents that have taken place at M.S. 158,” said Councilman Vallone. “When Chancellor Carranza comes to District 26 on Thursday, we expect answers and a clear action plan for this troubled school.”