The Pine Bush Central School District recently agreed to settle a civil lawsuit filed by five students, claiming the District's responses to allegations of anti-Semitic harassment on school property was insufficient. The plaintiffs sought civil damages for allegations of failure to take adequate steps to prevent anti-Semitic harassment. Significantly there were never any criminal charges filed regarding these allegations by the New York State Police or the Orange County District Attorney. What plaintiffs must prove in a civil case is much different than what must be proved in a criminal case.

The District has never condoned any form of bullying, discrimination, or hateful messages or actions by its students. While the District always disagreed with the plaintiffs' allegations that the District's responses were inadequate, after consultation with the District's legal counsel, the Board of Education and administration have decided it would be more prudent to settle this case now rather than run the risk of a lengthy trial that could result in substantially greater financial consequences.

The Pine Bush Central School District maintains a comprehensive umbrella insurance policy with the Utica National Insurance Group. The purpose of this policy is to protect the District from any claims by students, staff or community members that occur in schools or on school property. Although Utica has defended the District from the onset of the lawsuit, shortly before the case was scheduled for trial, Utica denied coverage for any judgment or settlement in connection with the trial. After reaching an agreement between the parties, Utica confirmed its refusal to fund the settlement. The District and the District's legal counsel firmly believe the cost should be fully covered under its policy, and therefore, the District has authorized counsel to commence legal action against Utica National Insurance Group to recoup all of the settlement costs.

As we move forward, the Board of Education and administration will remain focused on the superior education offered to Pine Bush students while we continue with the positive and profound efforts in place throughout the District designed to promote tolerance. Our settlement highlights specific changes to school curriculum and involvement in certain programs to promote tolerance throughout the District. It is important to stress that not only has the District maintained its diversity training program for over 15 years, but we also did not wait until this settlement to enhance these diversity programs. Many initiatives were developed and administered at all school buildings and have been in place for over a year.

More than a year ago, a central team represented by all District stakeholders was formed to develop and implement a comprehensive action plan to promote acceptance of diversity and unity among students throughout the District. Teachers and students received specialized training from members of the Anti-Defamation League ("ADL") through these initiatives. As a result of the District's efforts, the ADL recently recognized the District as a No Place for Hate District, citing the efforts in each Pine Bush school building. Pine Bush Central School District is one of only three districts in the Tri-State area to be classified as a district wide No Place for Hate. Support by the ADL for the District's efforts can be found by following this link: newyork.adl.org/news/pinebushresolution/.

In addition, the District implemented a number of initiatives, including a partnership with the Simon Wiesenthal Center in New York City. Each year, the entire Pine Bush seventh grade class participates in a trip to the Wiesenthal Center's Museum of Tolerance. Other students participate in this initiative through lectures and visits from Holocaust survivors.

The Pine Bush Central School District is committed to providing a nurturing learning environment that focuses on students' academic, social and extracurricular growth. With a commitment to the development of "the whole student," the District's core program will continue to incorporate innovative English language arts, science, technology, engineering and math opportunities with creative arts, athletics and a wide variety of student clubs.