Governor Cuomo orders thorough investigation in case of alleged strip search of middle school students in Binghamton

In a press release received on Wednesday, the governor’s office ordered an investigation into a case of alleged strip search at the middle school in Binghamton in January.

In the release, his office stated, “Earlier today, I called on the State Education Department to investigate disturbing allegations that 12-year-old girls were strip searched for drugs after being perceived as ‘hyper and giddy’ at a Binghamton middle school. The traumatizing alleged treatment of students raises serious concerns of racial and gender bias that have no place in our schools or anywhere in our state.”

On Thursday Governor Andrew M. Cuomo renewed his call for the investigation. This follows his direction for the State Education Department and State Police to investigate the allegations.

In the press release received Thursday, citing the renewed call for an investigation, the governor stated, “Given the severity of the allegations and the unrest they are causing in the community, I am also directing State Police to launch an investigation into the incident in coordination with local authorities. We will determine the facts of the situation and hold any wrongdoers responsible to the full extent of the law.”

The governor has asked the Board of Education to look at it. What is the policy? What does the school superintendent need to do to authorize a strip search? Just as a matter of policy. 

He also asked the State Police to investigate because it could also possibly be criminal, stating, “You’re asking school children, allegedly, to strip. And that’s not just education policy, that could be a criminal violation and I want to know what happened.”