Carmel families demand action following comments by school board member
There are demands in Carmel for a member of the Carmel Central School District Board of Education to be removed over comments he made in a social media video during the first week of November.
More Stories
There are demands in Carmel for a member of the Carmel Central School District Board of Education to be removed over comments he made in a social media video during the first week of November.
Families within the district say the controversial comments were made by Michael Torpey.
They are calling the language used hateful and upsetting.
As News 12 previously reported, the video shows Torpey saying in part: "We accomplished more at our school board meeting tonight than Zohran Mamdani has in his entire career in public service, which didn't exist until tonight, thanks to the good people of New York City and their infinite, boundless wisdom. So New York City congratulations and thank you for doing your part in the Islamic takeover of western society. Good luck."
Torpey previously sent News 12 the following statement: "I would like to apologize for my recent comment regarding the NYC mayoral race and retract my earlier statement. While it was shared privately and not made in any official capacity, I recognize that I should have chosen my words more carefully. My remarks were too broad and could be interpreted as carrying negative implications for the Islamic community, which was never my intention."
The Carmel Central School District Board of Education met November 10. This issue was discussed. A document from the board says while acknowledging an individual trustee's first amendment rights, the board views the social media post by Trustee Torpey as an expression of anti-Muslim sentiment and detrimental to the district's commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment.
It also says the board does not condone anti-Muslim sentiments.
The document says the board will arrange training for all board members on the harm of anti-Muslim sentiment to the school community.
Officials with the school board previously told News 12, they are taking this matter seriously and are reviewing the situation in keeping with policies and responsibilities under state and federal law.
At Tuesday's scheduled school board meeting, Torpey said he is removing himself from the committee but will still remain on the board.
