Connecticut mayor faces backlash over comments about students with special needs NBC New York [Video]

An Enfield resident and member of the Enfield Chapter of Standing up for Racial Justice raised concerns about state 2022-23 school year data, that points to a disproportionate number of students of color and students with disabilities being arrested or suspended from school in Enfield.

She voiced the concerns at the April 15 town council meeting, and the mayor’s response quickly drew backlash.

“I was really, really concerned and deeply upset. I think it’s something really hard to hear as a parent, especially of a child with special needs,” said Danielle Girard, a parent in the Enfield school district.

The comment in reference came from the mayor following the public comment period where he said, “I don’t care if they are white, Black, green or orange, if they are threatening harm to another student in school, they deserve to be suspended.”

He continued, “That falls for special needs, too. Unfortunately …