The governor issued the statement last evening after 6 pm, “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.
“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.”