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The family of Minisink High School student N’Senga Kinzonzi has taken the first steps toward filing the lawsuit against the district, citing a history of racialism and racism. The lawsuit is reportedly seeking monetary damages, with the case to be decided by a jury.
According to reports, Kinzonzi was targeted in a racially insensitive post on social media, when a student took a photo of her and captioned it with a racist comment, saying she should “be lynched.”
In response, the family filed a notice of claim against the district, alleging that school officials have known about an ongoing system of racism that they have done nothing about. School officials have said they received the notice of claim, but will not comment further during ongoing litigation.
Late last year, Schools Superintendent Brian Monahan issued a statement on the district’s website acknowledging the incident involving Kinzonzi.
“We have received a number of phone calls today regarding an incident that took place on social media, in which a high school student made racially-charged comments about a fellow classmate.
“Please know that we have been aware of this matter since it occurred. The incident was immediately reported to law enforcement agencies at the time. The ensuing external and internal investigations, and collaboration between the district and law enforcement, resulted in disciplinary action for the offending student. The district legally cannot discuss any resulting student disciplinary actions, including this one, for any reason.”
Monahan continued to say that ”the district has no tolerance for hateful language or any type of conduct that endangers the physical or emotional sense of safety and security of our students and staff. Those who choose to test these boundaries will endure the consequences outlined by the district’s code of conduct, and/or those under the law.”
The student was reportedly suspended following the incident.
Following the incident, a change.org petition was started on behalf of Kinzonzi. As of Monday, Feb. 11, 6,242 people have signed the petition.”
“N' Senga Kinzonzi, a high honors student-athlete was in her English class putting away her binder and a photo was taken of her without her knowing and shared via SnapChat without her consent,” the organizers wrote. “The Kinzonzi family *DOES NOT want anyone to perpetuate or mirror such hatred and unkindness while seeking accountability. They simply ask that you call Minisink Valley High School at (845) 355-5100.”
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