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Parents Allege Classmates Tricked Autistic 13-Year-Old into Handling Animal Feces; School Investigates Under Anti-Bullying Law

The parents of 13-year-old Conor Dunn say classmates tricked him on Oct. 27 into picking up animal feces and licking his hand; the family reports screenshots and witness accounts, including use of a racial slur. They filed a formal complaint under New York's Dignity for All Students Act (DASA). The district says investigators interviewed 14 students and three staff but were "unable to confirm" the alleged conduct. School leaders say reports are taken seriously while noting investigations with children can be complex.

12:58 PM, 11/22/2025Society
Parents Allege Classmates Tricked Autistic 13-Year-Old into Handling Animal Feces; School Investigates Under Anti-Bullying Law

A 13-year-old boy with special needs in the Ardsley School District was allegedly deceived by classmates during recess and convinced to pick up animal feces and then lick his hand, according to his parents. The family says the incident occurred on Oct. 27 and involved students from the middle school where the boy, Conor Dunn, is a member of the football team.

Conor's parents say he followed the classmates' directions because he believed they were trying to befriend him. They report that witnesses and digital evidence — including screenshots of conversations — were shared with them and that some messages contained a racial slur directed at Conor. The family also alleges students taught Conor inappropriate hand gestures and, as his mother described it, a "German march" arm motion.

"Multiple people came forward with proof of the alleged bullying," Conor's mother said. "We received screenshots and witness accounts that deeply concern us."

The Dunns filed a formal complaint under New York State's Dignity for All Students Act (DASA), the state's law intended to protect public school students from discrimination, harassment, intimidation and bullying on school property, on buses and at school functions.

In response, the district notified the family that investigators spoke with 14 students and three staff members but were "unable to confirm seeing or hearing anything being said or done by classmates." The family maintains that additional parents were prepared to raise similar concerns at a subsequent Board of Education meeting, but the meeting was adjourned before many could speak.

Ardsley Superintendent Matthew J. Block issued a statement saying the district is "committed to ensuring the safety of every student" and that reports of possible harassment, intimidation, or bullying are taken seriously and investigated. He noted that investigations involving children can be complicated by developmental and social dynamics and emphasized the district's aim to be "fair, thoughtful, and thorough."

The situation has left the family seeking accountability and clearer answers from the district, while school officials say they are following established protocols. The complaint remains part of the district's investigative process under DASA.

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