Matos Calls for Independent Investigation into School’s Failure to Report Molestation Allegations

Matos Calls for Independent Investigation into School’s Failure to Report Molestation Allegations

Acting Council President Sabina Matos is calling for an independent investigation of Harry Kizirian Elementary School officials’ failure to report molestation allegations to the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF).

“It is a fundamental requirement of every adult in every school to ensure absolute safety for every child. Policies, procedures, and laws are in place to support that requirement. I am calling for an independent investigation to bring to light what happened when school officials learned of this horrific, disturbing allegation. Providence families deserve that information, and this situation demands the transparency of an independent investigation,” said Matos.

It is reported that "a Providence elementary school teacher has charged with child molestation stemming from several complaints filed by parents of children in the school."

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

The teacher has been identified at James Duffy, a gym teacher at Harry Kizirian Elementary School.

He was arraigned in District Court on five counts of child molestation.

State Law

Rhode Island state law mandates that anyone “who has reasonable cause to know or suspect that any child has been the victim of sexual abuse by an employee, agent, contractor, or volunteer of an educational program” must report the information to DCYF within twenty-four hours.