BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Former Buffalo Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Pascal Mubenga and current School Board member Muki Hawkins are accused of sexual harassment, according to a Notice of Claim filed Thursday.
The Florestal Law Firm, with local co-counsel John V. Elmore, P.C., announced the filing of the Notice of Claim against the Buffalo Public School District Board of Education and former superintendent Mubenga for sexual harassment and abuse of authority in violation of the New York Civil Rights Law.
According to the claim, Mubenga and Hawkins allegedly made "unwanted sexual advances" toward the District's Chief Equity & Governance Officer, Antoinette Amos.
"I have learned that sometimes the most important thing a woman can do is refuse to be silent. If that means getting into good trouble, then I hope my voice encourages other women and girls to believe that their dignity is worth defending, and their boundaries deserve to be respected," Amos said in a release.
The claim against Mubenga, who is accused of sexual harassment on multiple occasions, dating back to December 2025 and as recently as July 2, 2026, says he “forcibly kissed” and “touched” her “inappropriately” and physically forced her “hand onto his genitals." Amos says she repeatedly rejected the behavior and told witnesses.
The claim also states that Hawkins is accused of sexual harassment on multiple occasions, dating back to February 2026 and as recently as June 2026. Hawkins remains on the board.
Mubenga abruptly resigned as superintendent earlier this week, 11 months into a four-year contract. His contract required 90 days' advance notice of a resignation, but the board agreed to waive that requirement. The contract does not include a severance or buyout agreement, meaning taxpayers will not be responsible for any separation payment.
The resignation came about a month after the board announced one of its members was facing sexual harassment allegations. The board refused to identify the member facing the allegations but retained a Buffalo law firm to conduct an independent investigation.
WATCH: Former Buffalo Public Schools Superintendent and current board member accused of sexual harassment
“If you read the allegations in the notice of claim, you see that his conduct was disgusting,” said John Elmore, the attorney for Amos.
Elmore told 7 News Senior Reporter Eileen Buckley his office filed the notice of claim on behalf of Amos.
“We commend her on her courage to step forward. She suffered extreme emotional distress, retaliation, and unwanted sexual advances that are described in detail,” Elmore said. “It was brought to the attention to people who could have done something about it and stop it. stopped it. We're happy to see that the superintendent resigned."
“It is unfortunately a very sad day for the Buffalo Board of Education and Buffalo Public Schools,” said Larry Scott, at-large Buffalo School Board Member. "Absolutely disgusted with what I’ve just read."
Scott has been raising concerns about allegations regarding a board member since early June.
"I’ve continued to raise those concerns all the way up until yesterday, in regards how we are handling them – not handling them, and I’m quite concerned and alarmed with it's what with what I’ve seen,” Scott explained.
Scott is demanding a completely independent investigation and believes that the state may need to intervene.
“It’s very troubling as to what has been done and hasn't been done up until this point, and my demand for a complete impartial investigation stands to this day, and I’ve also alluded to if we can't adhere to our own policy, if we can't be transparent and accountable, then the state, on some level, needs to intervene," Scott said. "I’m not looking for a state takeover, but I think a higher office at this point needs to investigate and intervene.”
“This is not the man that I knew leading this district,” said Erik Bohen, Park District Board Member. “If I did know that, he'd be out the door.”
Bohen said it's “disgusting” and “unacceptable." He was speechless, trying to discuss the situation.
“Loss of words,” Bohen said. "Speechless. Something I never expected. If I did know about that, I would demand for his resignation right then, right there.”
I asked Elmore what the next step is in this process. He said the school district now has the right to question Amos, under oath, within 90 days; then, after 90 days, they have the right to issue a lawsuit.
“And that’s what our intent is to do,” Elmore stated.
Marcel Florestal, Esq., lead counsel and founder of The Florestal Law Firm, released the following statement:
"The evidence establishes a pattern and practice of sexual harassment towards women that has existed within this agency for far too long, and we intend to bring this to light and help put an end to it."
When reached for comment, a spokesperson for the district sent the following statement to 7 News:
"The district does not comment on pending or potential litigation."
Rich Nigro, President of the Buffalo Teachers Federation, released a statement which said in part:
"The Buffalo Teachers Federation is alarmed and disgusted by the accusations revealed in the recentlyreleased Notice of Claim against former Superintendent Mubenga and the Buffalo Board of Education, and the allegations of sexual harassment against Board of Education member Hawkins. Harassment of any kind is troubling. Sexual harassment, however, is particularly insidious. I am especially troubled that, in a profession where the majority of employees are female, it appears that intentional and immediate action was not taken at the first reports of sexual misconduct by anyone affiliated with the Buffalo Board of Education – be that the Superintendent, a Board of Education member, or anyone else.
Even before guilt or innocence is established, the standard response to such reports of sexual harassment would typically result in the accused individual being placed on an administrative leave of absence while the claims are investigated. This did not occur. And because it did not occur, it is cause for serious concern not only for all BPS employees, but parents, community members, and students alike. It is imperative that both the District and Board follow processes and protocols to guarantee everything is being done to ensure a safe and healthful learning and working environment for students and staff. When such protocols are not adhered to, trust erodes quickly. And that can be a difficult thing to rebuild."
Parent leader Jessica Bauer-Walker issued the following statement on the notice of claim:
"Parent leaders and groups are deeply disturbed by the allegations of sexual harassment and abuse that have been made against former Superintendent Pascal Mubenga and Board of Education Member Lewis “Muki” Hawkins. We are also disappointed that the Board of Education did not take immediate action when learning of these allegations to ensure the safety of all who were impacted.
As parent leaders, we are charged with explaining this situation to the families who entrust Buffalo Public Schools and their leadership with what is most precious to us- our children. Our children are watching the news and adult behaviors, and it is our job as their parents to help them understand what is happening, and why. We have been consistently raising issues with the district related to student health, safety, and learning- attempting to work constructively in various committees and workgroups, meeting directly with the Superintendent and cabinet leadership, and voicing our concerns to Board of Education members and in public meetings and statements. There are numerous examples of ongoing systemic dysfunction in BPS."
On Friday, Nigro sent an open letter to the board of education, which called for the board to hold off on selecting a replacement for the North District Board seat. It also called for Hawkins to recuse himself from all Board and District meetings, votes, decisions, events, activities, functions, and any other expectation of duty until the conclusion of the investigation into the accusations, if he disputes the allegations. Nigro said if Hawkins does not dispute the allegations, the BTF requests his immediate resignation.
Hawkins released the following statement to 7 News on Friday, saying in part, "I look forward to the truth coming to light." You can read his full statement below.
"There is an ongoing investigation, and out of respect for that process, I will not comment on the specifics at this time. I look forward to the truth coming to light.
I have dedicated more than 35 years to working with children and families in this community. Throughout that time, I have built relationships with countless parents, students, and community members who can speak to my character, integrity, and commitment.
The people of this community elected me to serve on the Buffalo Board of Education because they trusted me to do what is right for our children. I will not be intimidated by slander, false accusations, or attempts to distract me from that responsibility. I will not turn my back on the students and families I was elected to serve.
I remain committed to doing the work, advocating for our children, and making decisions that are in the best interest of our students. As always, I will respect the investigative process and await its outcome."
According to a release, the filing of a Notice of Claim is a statutory requirement before commencing litigation against any municipal entities in New York State.
