Buffalo Public Schools responds to police detective’s charges of failures in reporting abuse, sexual assault

The Buffalo Public Schools (BPS) Board of Education has launched an external investigation after a police detective accused the district of covering up incidents of abuse and sexual assault.

“The Board of Education takes allegations about the well-being of our students seriously,” said Board President Dr. Kathy Evans-Brown, quoted by the local ABC affiliate. “The BOE is initiating an independent external investigation and the results will be shared publicly.”

The Texas-based “Unsubscribe Podcast” released an episode April 26 with Detective Richard Hy, who has worked 13 years with the Buffalo Police Department and on its Special Victims Unit for two years.

The interview contains strong language, and viewer discretion is advised.

“The Buffalo school system has been intentionally not reporting the assaults of students, sexual assaults between students,” Hy said on the episode, “and then has also used the Buffalo Police Department school resource officers to write reports and then had their influence over those officers.”

The district’s attorneys have also failed to comply with court orders and cooperate with law enforcement concerning these investigations, Hy said. 

A statement from a school district representative denied all allegations, calling them “unfortunate and untrue.” 

“The district has prioritized the safety and security of its students and staff every day,” the statement reads. “BPS is the second largest district in NYS with some 60 schools, 30,000 students, and 7,000 staff, and any transgressions that may happen are handled swiftly with seriousness, integrity, fairness, and empathy.” 

‘Calling out somebody for not protecting children’ 

Hy talked with the ABC affiliate about potential disciplinary repercussions for his public comments. 

“[There] is definitely a chance, but it’s the right thing to do,” he said. “I’ve gotten a lot of calls and text messages from different people … different ranks in the Buffalo Police Department, outside the Buffalo Police Department … in local and national politics that are saying that they support me in my decision and that it’s kind of hard to wag your finger at somebody who’s calling out somebody for not protecting children.” 

Hy has numerous supporters among law enforcement groups in the Buffalo area, including the local police union. 

“Detective Richard Hy is a passionate detective in the Buffalo Police Department who prioritizes the wellbeing of the city’s most vulnerable victims,” said John Davidson, president of the Buffalo Police Benevolent Association. 

“As a member of the U.S. Armed Forces and a Law Enforcement Officer, he does not shy away from the work he does to maintain his physical and mental health. His most recent podcast shows his passion for the job and his dedication to his mental health.” 

Other community activists also expressed concerns regarding the district’s handling of incidents. 

“I get phone calls from parents all the time,” parent advocate Edward Speidel told journalist Eileen Buckley in an interview. “I don’t get sexual assault calls, but I do get assault calls, special ed calls – I’m not surprised at all.” 

Speidel also appeared on an Audacy WBEN report Monday, saying he has attended almost every school board meeting over the last four years. 

“I know of a mom who reported her young child was assaulted by a substitute teacher and the district will not give the teacher’s name, so that the mom can press charges,” he said. “It’s disturbing, the lack of transparency that comes out of Buffalo Public Schools.”