One of the hallmarks of Manhasset, as a community and reflected in our schools, has been a nurturing environment that fosters the pursuit of excellence in academics, the arts and athletics.

Whether you have children in school or not, you may have heard that there have been a number of instances this year at the High School that have made us question whether or not all of our students do truly respect each other and the diversity that has made Manhasset a special place.

We recognize that the vast majority of Manhasset students come to school to learn, to participate and to enjoy a positive social experience. Unfortunately, there are a few who take advantage of that environment by using racial slurs and other intimidation, that at times sows the seeds of conflict. We all believe that we will not tolerate allowing the positive environment that has been developed in Manhasset to deteriorate because of the actions and words of a small number of students.

Several months ago a Liaison Committee was established between the School District and the Manhasset EOC to investigate this matter more clearly. The group endorsed eight initiatives to deal with this challenge. They are as follows:

1. Make a Clear Definitive Statement of Beliefs Condemning Racial Intimidation and Indeed Intimidation of Any Type - That is the purpose for this communication. Similar communiqués have been sent to each student and the staff.

2. Promulgate a Joint Press Release - This release fulfills that goal. We hope that this will be the first of a number of updates we will provide to the community on the important work of the Liaison Committee.

3. Review the Code of Conduct and Recommend Changes where Appropriate - The current Code of Conduct was last revised in 1997. Much has changed in the world, our community and the school since then. We must ensure that the revised code accurately reflects the challenges we face today, and what our response to these challenges will be.

4. Establish a Liaison Committee - This initiative was completed when the original committee that was formulated to explore this challenge agreed to stay committed to the task and oversee the multi-faceted strategies we have developed to deal with this complex challenge. Now that the EOC Liaison Committee has been established, we intend to reach out to others who represent the rich diversity within our community in an effort to increase understanding and tolerance within our community.

5. Explore the Need for Sensitivity Training - None of us know where someone is coming from unless "we walk a mile in their shoes." The committee intends to explore experiences we might be able to share, i.e., meetings, speakers, staff in-service, that will make all of us better able to cope in an increasingly complex and diverse society.

6. Recruitment - It is important for all of our children to see and deal with a professional and supportive staff that is reflective of the diversity of our community. All of the children need diverse role models.

7. Student Advisory Group - We will develop a student advisory committee made up of participants that reflect the wide diversity that is the Manhasset community. This group of students will advise the superintendent, school board and the EOC board on matters that are important to the students that affect primarily their ability to interact with each other in a positive manner regardless of race or other diversity.

8. Student Patterns of Participation - The committee will examine how we can increase the participation of all students in extracurricular and co-curricular activities. Our goal will be to strive to have student participation on our teams, and activities reflective of the diversity within our student population.

Now, what can you do as a community member? First, remember that while this initiative started with a dialogue between the school district and the EOC Board, we quickly acknowledged that this issue impacts all children, races and ethnicities that make up our wonderful, diverse community. Second, as a parent or community member you can lead by example. Even subtle things we say or do as adults affect our children and grandchildren more than we know, and color their interpretation of the world and the people they encounter within it. Third, a conflict often starts in the community and bubbles over in the school. You can let the school know if there is a situation occurring in your neighborhood, with your child's friends, at the bus stop or any other place that you believe the district, staff and administration should know about in order to head off any possible problem.

Last, please rest assured that the school district will not tolerate bullying, intimidating and racially or ethnically denigrating behavior of any type, and we will deal with it as swiftly as necessary to ensure that we can guarantee our students what in Manhasset we believe is their right - a safe and healthy school environment.

Board of Education of the Manhasset School District

Dr. Lawrence E. Bozzomo, Superintendent of Schools

Manhasset/Great Neck Economic Opportunity Commission