MCPO Conducts Bias and Bullying Presentations in Essex & Morris

Morris County Prosecutor's Office Addresses Students on Digital Conduct and Bias Issues

This month, Morris County Prosecutor's Office (MCPO) representatives, Supervising Assistant Prosecutor (SAP) Samantha DeNegri and Sergeant Patrick LaGuerre, conducted a series of informative presentations for students focusing on bias issues, cyber harassment, and the importance of exercising good judgement in their online and in-school interactions.

SAP DeNegri and Sgt. LaGuerre visited Mount St. Dominic Academy in Caldwell and Mount Olive Middle School on March 16, followed by Kinnelon Middle School on March 23, 2023. They emphasized the need for students to act responsibly in their dealings with others and in their social media posts, as their online conduct could significantly impact their future prospects.

In today's digital age, social media and technology document nearly everything. SAP DeNegri warned students about the potential legal consequences of taking or sharing explicit photos, as they can be viewed or shared by unintended recipients. She also mentioned that students often regret their actions when such images do not remain private. The MCPO will not hesitate to prosecute those who maliciously disseminate such material.

The presenters clarified the distinction between bias crimes and bias incidents, alerting students that school administrators can impose disciplinary measures even if an incident does not result in criminal charges. Being linked to a bias incident and its associated documentation can unfortunately have lasting effects beyond one's school years.

SAP DeNegri stated that Morris County enforces a zero-tolerance policy towards threats of violence.

The MCPO regularly holds presentations at public and private schools across Morris County to discuss these critical topics and engage directly with students. Over the past year, the MCPO has conducted more than a dozen assemblies in Morris, Essex, Warren, and Sussex counties.

Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll commented, "In an age of screen oversaturation, the Morris County Prosecutor's Office uses face-to-face assemblies to connect with our middle and high school students. We want to stress how important it is to exercise good judgment online and in school."