NEWBURGH – Two investigative reports commissioned by the Newburgh School Board looking into allegations of sexual harassment by a high-ranking male school official against two female district employees have been obtained by Mid-Hudson News via a freedom of information request.
While the school district has not officially acknowledged that Superintendent Dr. Roberto Padilla was suspended, the board of ed did name the assistant superintendent as acting superintendent.
Both reports are highly redacted with several sections blacked out and many blank pages, but one reference was overlooked. “Based on the Title VII analysis above, it appears that Dr. P’s actions also violate Title IX,” wrote Melinda Gordon, the attorney hired by the board to examine the allegations.
Gordon explains federal Titles VII and IX and how they apply to harassment, in particular sexual harassment.
She wrote that Title IX “applies to schools, local and state educational agencies and state educational agencies, and other institutions that receive federal financial assistance. A district that receives such funds must operate its educational programs or activity in a nondiscriminatory manner free of discrimination based on sex, including orientation and gender identity.”
She also stated that “Similar to Title VII, Title IX protects employees of educational institutions, programs, and activities against workplace discrimination, sexual discrimination, and harassment.”
Specifics of the allegations against the suspended superintendent have not been made public; however, Gordon wrote in her report that “In the instant matter, district staff were (redacted) attending a conference that the district invited staff to apply to attend. Upon information and believe, district monies paid for the conference. As such, the undersigned finds that the Whiskey Bar constituted an extension of the employee workplace.”
Gordon also said, “During the interview, (redacted) provided the names of potential witnesses present on the night of the alleged incident.”
