High profile fights and threats on the campus and in the community this school year have pushed safety concerns to the forefront as people ask just how safe students are at school and on the subways, buses and sidewalks they use to get to and from school each day. One of the busier areas, Westchester Square, close to the Lehman Educational Campus, is almost always crowded as there is a 6 train subway station and mass transit point of buses of the Bronx.
Some examples of incidents this school year:
- This fall, punches between students in an after-school fight escalated into a stabbing near Westchester Square where one boy was slashed on the back, another was stabbed in the shoulder and two were stabbed on their hands.
- Another incident happened Sep. 19 when police arrested a 17-year-old student who tried to push through campus security, at the main entrance on Lehman campus while brandishing what turned out to be an Airsoft gun.
- A 25-year-old got stabbed near the 149th street and Grand Concourse subway station.
- An 18-year-old man was arrested for slashing a 17-year-old girl across the face inside a subway station.
Despite the news of such incidents, NYPD data show that transit crime is down across the city compared to last year. And fights at Bronx River also have declined slightly. In the 2024-25 ongoing school year, there have been six fights at Bronx River compared to seven fights during the first half of the 2023-24 school year. Although the statistics show a reduction in conflicts, the fights around the area concern students and faculty.
Freshman David Mendoza says, “Westchester Square’s incidents are a little scary, but not that much serious because I’m not involved in that.” He feels that the school is safe.
Sophomore Landon Garcia believes that campus safety is adequate, and Westchester Square’s safety is good enough. He says, “The hallways need more security guards.”
On the other hand, Sophomore Absar Rahman feels that the school is generally safe but notes, “Westchester Square feels chaotic and less secure.”
A junior, Cristofer Reyes feels safe because of the teachers’ inquiries about safety. He added, “They have security and scanning systems before entering the school that make me feel safe.”
In response to recent concerns, a physical education teacher and also a dean, Joseph Shinn, suggests students pick the correct friend and stay out of conflicts. “A student should apologize for their fault to avoid fights,’’ he said. “This campus needs higher safety for each floor.”
“I think every school should work together for safety in New York City,” says Dominick Pellettieri, another physical education teacher and also a dean. He advises students to openly communicate with teachers and staff about their concerns.
Assistant Principal Tene Kelly advises students to report any threats or fights immediately to room 400, if someone is threatened, or even face any fighting issues. She also advises students to share their concerns with their guidance counselors and school staff as some conditions can be resolved in school, if students get into fights.
Ms. Kelly says, “Bronx River students do an excellent job avoiding fights before someone gets physically hurt. Students often bring issues to resolve issues before it turns into a big problem. Unfortunately there were high profile violent incidents in Westchester Square earlier this school year. Even though Bronx River students weren’t involved in the incidents, everybody feels less secure.”
She suggests students to follow the “Discipline Code” also known as the Citywide Behavioral Expectations to support Student Learning, can be found on the website of the Department of Education. Link is below.
https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/know-your-rights/discipline-code
According to Ms. Kelly, unwanted violations can lead to suspension from school. Suspensions can last more than five days depending on the severity of the incident.
Eighty percent of students of Bronx River High School responded that they feel safe or they are satisfied with the safety of the school in a NYC School Survey in 2023-24 school year.
In response to recent events, the school community is actively exploring strategies to enhance safety and security for students and staff alike. The discussions around increasing security and holding safety workshops underscore a collective commitment to creating a safer environment.
As students, parents, and faculty continue to voice their concerns and propose solutions, it is clear that cooperation and communication will be key to fostering lasting change. By staying vigilant and working together, the school community aims to ensure that the school remains a secure and welcoming place for everyone.
