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Health & Fitness

OP-ED From Senator Greg Ball On Mahopac - Mount Vernon Incident

Let’s end the policy through press release and begin the hard work of uniting both communities by properly addressing the issue, without needlessly creating greater divisions. Let it be clear, Mount Vernon is equally responsible for the toxic environment that was unfortunately created. Yet unlike Mahopac, Mount Vernon has yet to take action to hold their fan base and students accountable.

The reporting of the recent Mount Vernon – Mahopac Basketball game shows a one sided presentation of the facts. A handful of bad actors on both sides were wrong. Mount Vernon must also be held responsible for sadly, they too exhibited horrific behavior towards students, cheerleaders and athletes. Two wrongs never make a right, yet unlike Mount Vernon, Mahopac immediately took the accusations seriously and the district has used their appropriate authority to hold the individuals involved accountable. Mahopac conducted an immediate investigation, justly and proactively suspending 8 students. In Mount Vernon no action has been taken by the district to hold bad actors accountable, in Mahopac the system is working and the ongoing investigation will be successful in holding all responsible accountable for their inappropriate behavior.

Like Mount Vernon, Mahopac is a strong, faithful and loving community. Leaders in BOTH communities must now take decisive, professional action during these trying times. While a handful of individuals made a horrible mistake, Mahopac took the actions appropriate. If we want to unite in doing the right thing and learning from this sad day, the first step is avoiding sensationalizing and politicizing the event itself. Both sides are capable of handling this professionally, Mount Vernon simply needs to take immediate action to prove this as fact.

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