“Independent” Review Set in Binghamton School Search Case

Binghamton school officials now say they have "no evidence" that a strip search was conducted on 12-year-old girls by administrators.

The city school district released another written statement as a rally was held at East Middle School following allegations that four students were inappropriately searched on January 15.

The statement said the district has hired a Syracuse law firm to conduct a review of what happened.

The district has retained Ferrara Fiorenza PC to conduct an "independent" assessment of what transpired.

Members of Progressive Leaders of Tomorrow, a community group, have maintained the four students, who are black, were strip-searched after they apparently were suspected of possessing drugs.

A statement posted on the organization's Facebook page advised people who attended a Tuesday afternoon rally at the school on East Frederick Street: "You can help us by FILMING THE POLICE. We have a direct line to several major news outlets who will broadcast footage if police get out of hand. Film their every move, especially their interactions with People of Color."

Although city police officers monitored the event, there were no reports of problems.

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com

For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.