ASSEMBLYMAN PICHARDO AND SENATOR RIVERA RELEASE STATEMENT ON ATTORNEY TOM LIOTTI’S DEFAMATORY REMARKS REGARDING THE BRONX
(BRONX, NY) – Assemblyman Victor Pichardo and State Senator Gustavo Rivera released the following statement in response to the incendiary remarks made by Patricia Cummings’ attorney, Tom Liotti, regarding the Bronx. In February 2018, reports surfaced that Patricia Cummings, while serving as a teacher at MS 118, had African-American students lie on floor while she stepped on their backs as part of her lesson on slavery. Ms. Cummings is now suing for damages claiming reverse racism and her attorney is making improper and bigoted statements to support her claims.
“The remarks that Patricia Cummings’ attorney, Tom Liotti, have made are racist and derogatory toward the people of the Bronx. Ms. Cummings is in the process of being fired by the Department of Education for, at the very least, showing poor judgement in the classroom and placing the lives of students at risk. She is now once again showing poor judgement by giving her attorney the leeway to make racist and unfounded remarks regarding the Bronx. We say this bluntly: Mr. Liotti’s comments are reprehensible. They insult the men and women who truly fight in combat for our country as well as our neighbors and the community we represent. The Bronx is not a “war zone.” It is a vibrant, thriving and diverse community. Not only are Mr. Liotti’s remarks inflammatory, but we believe they lack the judgement we expect from an officer of the court, who we hold to a higher standard. Therefore, we are calling on the Grievance Committee under the New York State Supreme Court to investigate whether Tom Liotti’s statements violate the rules of professional conduct that govern his profession.”
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