A 13-year-old autistic boy from New York was allegedly targeted by classmates in a disturbing bullying incident, according to his parents.
During recess on October 27, Conor Dunn — who is Jewish and Black and has special needs — was reportedly convinced by another student to pick up animal feces. A second student then allegedly told him to lick his hand. Believing the students were trying to befriend him, Conor complied, his parents told CBS New York.
His family said that while several students stood up for him the following day, the situation escalated, and one of the alleged bullies was later attacked in a locker room before a football game.
Conor’s mother, Beth Blank-Dunn, said multiple individuals came forward with proof of the bullying, including screenshots of conversations where a racial slur was used against her son. She added that some students had taught Conor inappropriate hand gestures and a style of marching associated with Nazi symbolism.
The family filed a report under New York’s Dignity For All Students Act, which requires schools to provide a safe and supportive environment free from discrimination, harassment, and bullying.
However, approximately one week after the report was submitted, the school informed the parents that after interviewing 14 students and three staff members, they were unable to confirm any wrongdoing.
A school board meeting on Tuesday night reportedly adjourned before other parents could raise similar concerns about bullying in the district.
In a statement to PEOPLE, Ardsley Superintendent of Schools Matthew J. Block said the district is committed to student safety and that all reports of harassment or bullying are thoroughly investigated. He noted that determining what happened can be difficult, especially when interviewing children, and emphasized the importance of being fair and thoughtful.
The statement also pointed out that board meetings are not designed for detailed, two-way discussions of personal cases, though the board values community feedback.
