In a recent school board meeting, a former student, Ellie Mazurek, delivered a powerful testimony regarding her experience with the Batavia Public Schools (BPS) and the handling of a sexual misconduct investigation. Mazurek, who identified herself as the alleged victim, expressed her frustration and distress over the investigation process, which she claimed was invasive and damaging to her mental health and reputation.

Mazurek clarified that she was not a victim of any criminal misconduct or workplace policy violation, yet felt subjected to an inappropriate investigation that included deeply personal inquiries directed at her friends about her sexual life. She criticized BPS for not allowing her to provide her perspective during the investigation, stating that she felt ignored and treated as an object in a narrative the school was trying to construct.

The investigation, which followed a police inquiry that found no evidence of wrongdoing, left Mazurek feeling like collateral damage. She described the emotional toll it took on her, leading to significant academic struggles and a tarnished reputation within her community. Mazurek urged the school board to reflect on the harm caused by their handling of the situation and called for accountability to prevent similar experiences for others in the future.

Her testimony highlighted the need for sensitivity and proper support in investigations involving allegations of misconduct, emphasizing that the mishandling of such cases can have lasting effects on individuals' lives. The meeting underscored the importance of addressing the emotional well-being of those involved in sensitive investigations, particularly when they are not actual victims of misconduct.