Putnam County officials address parents' concerns over racist TikToks made by students

Parents said the meeting answered a lot of their questions, but there's still so much they need done.

News 12 Staff

Apr 18, 2023, 2:19 AM

Updated 605 days ago

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Putnam County parents had their questions answered over racist TikToks made by students during the county Legislature's Protective Services Committee meeting Monday night.
Parents say it was a meeting they've been hoping for since three high school students made racist videos that spread through social media.
Since the videos were posted, parents say they have been fighting to get the district and county to respond and create change in the community they say they've experienced hate in their whole lives.
Parents say they also wondered why the students were not arrested.
The sheriff thoroughly explained the investigative process, and said they determined that the students made the videos because they thought they'd make money and be funny by making a video game like Fortnite.
"Should the statements be universally condemned, yes. But that doesn't mean a crime was committed against the penal law of the state of New York,” said Putnam County District Attorney Robert Tendy.
Parents and legislators also spoke at the meeting, with most legislators saying they want to do more.
Parents said the meeting answered a lot of their questions, but there's still so much they need done.
“We want to do better. I want to do better for you and for your little girl and for all the families who live here,” said Putnam County Legislator Ginny Nacerino.
There were also some mildly contentious moments, including when a legislator reminded her colleagues of how many of them spoke against her fight to get a Human Rights Commission.
It's something she wants to explore again, and parents say they won't stop until change is made.