Saturday, July 12, 2025 | St. Lawrence County, NY
MASSENA -- Massena Central School officials are working with Massena Village Police as they investigate allegations of a threatening gesture made against Native American students prior to last …
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BY JEFF CHUDZINSKINorth Country This WeekMASSENA -- Massena Central School officials are working with Massena Village Police as they investigate allegations of a threatening gesture made against Native American students prior to last Saturday's graduation ceremony.
According to a release from the district, a visitor to the campus allegedly passed a group of graduating students dressed in traditional Mohawk attire, making a threatening gesture toward them.
"Regardless of the intent, this incident caused fear for our students and their families," Superintendent Ron Burke wrote in the release.
In the press release, Burke said the district has been able to secure video footage of the incident from the district's security system, as well as information from a witness.
"The District is working with the Massena Village Police Department to identify the individual. The affected families have been notified and advised of their option to file a complaint with the Massena Village Police Department. As a District, once the person is identified, we will meet to discuss our options as all guests to our campus are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct," Burke said.
He went on further, saying a core tenant of the district was violated when the incident occurred.
"At Massena Central School District, one of our core beliefs states: 'All members of our diverse community are treated equally with respect and dignity.'," he wrote.
Burke noted the district is unable to control the behavior of guests to the campus, however the incident "appears to have violated this core belief."
"It is heartbreaking to know that this incident hurt our students on a night that should have been filled with excitement, joy and pride. On behalf of the District, I apologize to these students, their families and to the people of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe," Burke wrote.
The investigation is ongoing and no further details were available as of press time.
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