Pittsfield Student Sues School Over Harassment

A 17-year-old student from Pittsfield High School is suing the district and former teacher Robert Barsanti for sexual harassment, claiming he made inappropriate comments and asked her to enter a janitor's closet. The lawsuit, filed after a Title IX investigation concluded Barsanti engaged in severe sexual harassment, alleges that the school ignored prior complaints against him and allowed him to retire without consequences. Meanwhile, in Manhattan, former employee Susana Lukaszek is suing District 114 and former superintendent Russell Ragon for ongoing sexual harassment, claiming he propositioned her daily and created a hostile work environment. Lukaszek's lawsuit states that her equal protection rights were violated when she was denied a promotion due to her rejection of Ragon's advances. Both cases highlight systemic issues of sexual harassment in educational institutions, with plaintiffs seeking justice for the violations of their rights. These incidents reflect broader concerns about the safety and treatment of individuals in schools and workplaces.