By: Richard L. Smith
Over the past week, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office officials delivered their educational Anti-Bias and Anti-Bullying program to students at Randolph Middle School and Alfred C. MacKinnon Middle School in Wharton.
The program, presented by Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Samantha DeNegri and Sergeant Patrick LaGuerre, aims to educate students on the long-term consequences of poor decision-making, particularly in how they interact with peers and what they post online.
According to Morris County officials, the program highlights the difference between bias crimes and bias incidents and emphasizes that school administrators may take disciplinary action even in non-criminal cases.
DeNegri and LaGuerre warned students that Morris County has a zero-tolerance policy for threats of school violence, whether made in jest or not.
The presentations also provided students with practical advice on how to report potential threats or bias incidents, including options for anonymous reporting.
The presenters encouraged students to avoid escalating situations involving bullying or bias, and DeNegri stressed the importance of being mindful of others, saying, “You don’t know what someone is going through.”
Many students acknowledged having witnessed bias-related language or actions at school, highlighting the program’s relevance.
The officials also cautioned students about the permanent nature of social media, noting that anything they post or share can be saved and circulated, regardless of its intended audience.
DeNegri specifically addressed the legal consequences of sharing explicit photos, emphasizing the far-reaching effects of such actions.
Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll underscored the program’s goal, stating, "We want to connect with middle and high school students to help them make informed, smart choices for their futures. In today’s interconnected world, they need to understand that bullying, violence, or intentional harm can lead to criminal charges."
The Anti-Bias and Anti-Bullying program is presented at both public and private schools throughout Morris County and beyond.
Last school year, members of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office held over a dozen presentations in Morris, Sussex, Union, and Warren counties.
During the October 1, 2024, presentation at Randolph Middle School, representatives from the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office attended to learn more about the initiative.