Asbestos Exposure Concerns at P.S. 176 School

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News Summary

On June 12, parents of students at P.S. 176 The Ovington School protested against potential asbestos exposure resulting from ongoing construction. They demanded transparency from school officials regarding health risks. Concerns escalated after reports of unaddressed environmental hazards and a lack of communication from Principal Elizabeth Culkin. The situation raised alarms about the safety of students and compliance with asbestos regulations, prompting community members to call for accountability and a thorough inspection of the school.

Parents Protest Asbestos Exposure at P.S. 176 The Ovington School

Parents gathered outside P.S. 176 The Ovington School in Dyker Heights on June 12, expressing their outrage and demanding answers regarding potential asbestos exposure due to ongoing construction at the facility. The protest featured more than a dozen parents who chanted, “Protect our children! No asbestos! We want answers!” showcasing their determination to hold school officials accountable.

Concerns Over Student Safety

The unrest stems from allegations that construction activities at the school have put students at risk for months. Critical voices among the parents directed accusations toward Principal Elizabeth Culkin for failing to communicate essential information regarding health risks associated with asbestos exposure. Organizer Andres Juarez, a former Title I PAC chair, has been investigating the matter since March, leading many parents to question why they were not informed of the risks prior to the protest.

The escalating concerns about asbestos came to a head during a Community Education Council 20 meeting, where Juarez vocalized his perspective that the situation could have been handled more effectively by school administration. The protest was fueled by alarming reports that construction, initiated in the *2021-2022 school year* and slated for completion by *August 2024*, had left students vulnerable to the hazardous material linked to severe health issues, including lung cancer.

Asbestos Regulations and School Inspections

A notable aspect of this controversy is the history of asbestos regulations in the United States; the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency enacted a partial ban on most uses of asbestos in 1989, with an ultimate ban anticipated by *2024*. In New York, state law dictates that schools must undergo inspections for asbestos, coupled with strategies to mitigate exposure. However, an audit conducted by Comptroller Brad Lander brought to light that 82% of New York City public schools housing asbestos were undetected in that timeframe from 2021 through 2024. Alarmingly, the Department of Education has consistently failed to inspect most campuses containing asbestos for every required cycle since 1997.

Alarming Observations and Health Risks

Juarez shed light on serious irregularities following a *March 6, 2023*, incident where plaster from the ceiling collapsed in a bathroom, indicating severe construction mismanagement. He later detailed various environmental concerns, including noise and falling debris in an email to Department of Education officials. Following his urgent communication, an inspection was executed on *March 11*. The findings categorized classroom conditions as “uninhabitable/unacceptable.” Despite this alarming discovery, the warning signage regarding asbestos concerns only referenced two classrooms, leaving multiple other health hazards unaddressed.

As parents began seeking further clarification on the ongoing construction and the presence of asbestos, they encountered substantial communication challenges with school officials. Reports emerged of students facing health complications, including severe allergies, pneumonia, and asthma, raising additional concerns about the opaque nature of school communication regarding safety.

Community Response and Demands for Accountability

A petition demanding Principal Culkin’s removal garnered an impressive 740 signatures, primarily fueled by allegations of retaliatory behavior and unprofessionalism. Parents viewed insufficient responses during meetings with school officials about asbestos and construction safety as inadequate. State Senator Lester Chang stepped in to advocate for accountability, insisting on transparent asbestos testing as a necessity for community confidence and safety.

While representatives from the Department of Education assured parents that all health and safety protocols have been adhered to during construction, the investigation is ongoing under the Special Commissioner of Investigation, with some parents remaining skeptical. The construction at P.S. 176 is currently set to continue throughout the summer, with an ongoing focus on asbestos abatement. Juarez, still deeply concerned about the school’s lack of transparency, contemplates withdrawing his children from enrollment due to apprehensions of potential retaliation.

As P.S. 176 The Ovington School navigates this serious issue, the demand for answers and emphasis on student safety remains in clear focus among the community, reflecting a broader concern over asbestos safety in schools across New York City.