MCPO Visits Area Middle Schools to Talk about Bias and Bullying

Published on May 13, 2022

Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Samantha DeNegri and Sergeant Patrick LaGuerre recently visited middle school students at three area schools, and lead a presentation on bias issues, cyber harassment and making smart choices about social media. They attended Brooklawn and Central middle schools in Parsippany-Troy Hills on May 6, and Pequannock Valley Road Middle School on April 28, 2022.

The presenters stressed exercising good judgement when it comes to how you interact with others or what you post on social media, because how you conduct yourself online could potentially impact your future. Social media and technology today document everything, even photos and messages you believe are deleted or only temporary can be accessed and potentially shared after being deleted.

SAP DeNegri and Sgt. LaGuerre explained the difference between bias crimes and bias incidents, cautioning students that their school administrators can choose to take disciplinary action even if an incident isn’t considered criminal.

Students were able to ask questions of the presenters following the program.

The MCPO routinely conducts presentations at schools throughout Morris County to present on these important topics, and to talk directly with students. This winter and spring, Sgt. LaGuerre and SAP DeNegri visited Morris Plains Borough Middle School, Byram Lakes Intermediate School, Copeland Middle School, Green Hills School, Randolph Middle School, Dover High School, Gottesman RTW Academy, and Frelinghuysen Middle School.

Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll said, “Getting out into the community and talking to students in person is vital to getting through to our youth. Students today are growing up in a very connected digital world. We at the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office want to enable our students to make smart choices about how they interact online and in school, as poor decisions can have unfortunate consequences.”

Media inquiries concerning this press release should be directed to Public Information Officer Meghan Knab at mknab@co.morris.nj.us or by phone at 973-829-8159. 

Pequannock Valley Road Middle VP Emily Ringen, SRO William Juliano, AP Bridget Carr, Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Samantha DeNegri and Sergeant Patrick LaGuerre, and Principal John Seborowski.