Romy Vilsaint (Source: Vilsaint Family, WCBS via CNN)
May 11, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Sabrina L. Rezzy
718-940-0428
rezzys@nyassembly.gov
Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn's Statement on Death of PS 361 Student, Romy Vilsaint
“The loss of any child is a tragedy, but the circumstances surrounding the death of 12-year-old Romy Vilsaint are gut-wrenching," said Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn. "The child - who is Haitian-American and was a student at PS 361 - reported being bullied and attacked at school. Vilsaint told cousins that he was jumped on Wednesday and struck in the head on Thursday by another student, who was ‘paid a dollar’. 

There is a history of ethnic discrimination in schools across the United States, and in Brooklyn. Bullying of students from immigrant backgrounds is common.

I am calling for a thorough investigation into the school and administrators of PS 361. This child should not have been sent home to die. We must make sure that this never repeats itself. Any student who is seriously injured at school must receive the appropriate level of medical attention at a hospital.

Although it will be hard for our community to heal, we must work together to make sure that bullying does not continue to affect our students. No parent should worry that their child will die in their plight to receive an education. Vilsaint’s family sent him to the United States from Haiti to live out the American Dream. Instead, this child lost his life because of an attack at one of our public schools. We can - and must - do better. I extend my deepest sympathies to the Vilsaint family.”
You can report student-to-student discrimination, intimidation, and harassment, including sexual harassment and/or bullying to the New York City Department of Education online here or by calling 718-935-2288.

To report physical punishment or verbal abuse, file a complaint with the DOE Office of Special Investigations on the OSI Reporting System.
Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn represents the 42nd Assembly District in Brooklyn covering Ditmas Park, Flatbush, East Flatbush and Midwood. She is currently the Chair of the Subcommittee on Oversight of Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs), and serves on the following committees: Housing, Government Operations, Education, Banks, Health, and Higher Education. She is also a member of the Task Force on Women's Issues and sits on Governor Cuomo's Domestic Violence Advisory Council and Mayor De Blasio's MWBE Task Force.

As a current Assemblymember, District Leader, and Chair of Brooklyn Democratic Party, Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn has been an outspoken advocate on issues concerning immigration, education, economic development, unemployment, education reform, health care access, senior citizen centers, affordable housing, school safety, women's and LGBTQ rights, as well as other issues affecting the quality of life in the community.  
Learn more about 
Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn by visiting her websites: