‘My children don’t feel safe’: Moms of kids called racial slurs in Riverhead make emotional plea to town leaders

The incident happened on Sept. 9 at the football field of Pulaski Street Elementary School.

News 12 Staff

Sep 19, 2023, 11:08 AM

Updated 440 days ago

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The mothers of children in Riverhead who were shoved and called racial slurs made an emotional appeal to town leaders Monday, asking for something to be done about it.
The Riverhead School District said students who allegedly used racial slurs against attendees of a football game will receive further disciplinary action.
The incident happened on Sept. 9 at the football field of Pulaski Street Elementary School. According to Superintendent Dr. Augustine E. Tornatore, a middle school and high school student pushed two young children and used a racial slur against their mother.
"My children do not feel safe," says Tiffany Beck, of Riverhead. "I do not feel comfortable with my children in the school, especially with security being as lax as it is."
Ryan Scott, of Riverhead, says she is pushing for more than just disciplinary action from the district and is planning to take legal action.
The Anti-Bias Task Force for the Town of Riverhead force says it has heard the messages and will recommend the district make changes, including sensitivity training or a circle of healing to bring children together.