Cuomo Orders Investigation into Binghamton School Search Case

Governor Andrew Cuomo is directing the New York State Education Department to look into allegations that four girls were strip-searched at a Binghamton middle school.

Cuomo Wednesday said he is calling for the department to launch an investigation into what happened January 15 at East Middle School.

The governor said the allegations involving the 12-year-old girls, who are black, are "disturbing and raise serious concerns of racial and gender bias."

Cuomo said in New York "we have zero tolerance for discrimination or harassment of any kind."

The governor is directing state police to assist local authorities in determining exactly what happened.

A community group organized a Tuesday rally outside the school to demonstrate concern following allegations the girls were subjected to a strip-search after they appeared to be "hyper and giddy" after lunch.

A statement released by the school district have indicated there is "no evidence" that a strip search was conducted by administrators.

While Cuomo is speaking out about the matter, local elected officials have not called for an investigation into what occurred at the school.

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com

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