A Student Suicide Puts Pressure on NYC Department of Education

New York City Council members are calling for an investigation into the death of a Bronx High School student.

A lawsuit filed this week alleged that Mya Vizcarrondo-Rios was bullied for months and school leaders failed to intervene. Then, it says, two boys sexually assaulted her in a school auditorium in February 2018. The same day, she jumped off the roof of her apartment building. She was in ninth grade.

Council member Helen Rosenthal said the Department of Education has to overhaul how it handles sexual assault prevention and response. "Wake up. People are throwing themselves off of buildings because you're not paying attention," she said. "I want to see a top-to-bottom review to see how the system failed her and know exactly what we're doing going forward."

An education department spokesperson called the death of Vizcarrondo-Riosa a tragic loss, but said that the department's initial review found the case was handled properly. “Every student must have a safe and supportive school environment, and there is a sexual harassment liaison in every school, as well as a Title IX coordinator who oversees DOE compliance," said spokeswoman Miranda Barbot. She said the agency will participate in any external investigation. 

Yet council members called for more counselors, social workers, and Title IX coordinators. Currently, there's one coordinator for more than a million public school students, while some smaller cities have many more. "The question is about resources," said Councilmember Carlina Rivera. "Our communities of color, our students of color, are the last to be lifted  up."  

Last month, Legal Services filed a lawsuit alleging harassment and assault in the public schools on behalf of four other girls of color. 

Council member Mark Treyger said the council would not pass the budget without a guarantee of funding for more Title IX coordinators.