By KAITLIN LEMBO and JACKIE GOLD
[email protected]
DELMAR — Bethlehem Central School District officials responded to an Instagram account detailing multiple stories of alleged sexual harassment and assault on students by their peers.
The statement, released Tuesday, June 30, on the district’s website, encouraged alleged victims to report the events to police and school officials. The Instagram account, @metoobethlehem, has garnered over 1,000 followers in its 48 hours of being active and over 140 stories of alleged sexual misconduct. Some of these cases include sexual assault at school-sponsored events and in school buildings.
“These allegations are disturbing and heartbreaking, and in some cases, may be criminal,” Bethlehem Central School District superintendent Jody Monroe said, adding the district has notified Bethlehem Police Department of the alleged events. “We also must provide whatever support we can for current or former students who may be victims of abuse or harassment. The only way we can do that is to ask these individuals to come forward.”
“I have assembled the district’s team of counselors and social workers to be available to talk to any BC student who has knowledge of harassment or abuse of students at school, at home or in the community,” Monroe continued. “I would encourage students or families to reach out to their school counselor to discuss any issue of sexual abuse, harassment or related issues.”
To read the full statement from the district, visit https://www.bethlehemschools.org/instagram-posts-prompt-urgent-message-for-parents/. To reach Bethlehem Police Department, call 518-439-9973. To reach the confidential tip line, call 518-439-1503.