Student suspended in dance controversy

WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. (WIVB) - A student has now been suspended, accused of targeting the sister of Jamey Rodemeyer at the Williamsville North homecoming dance.

Students, parents and communities across the country have been calling for action since Jamey took his own life two weeks ago, at the age of 14. In a video message now posted on the Williamsville School District's website, Superintendent Dr. Scott Martzloff says the district has taken action regarding an incident at North High School's recent dance.

"While our investigation continues, we have already identified a student we believe is responsible and have imposed a suspension to the fullest extent allowed under education law," said Dr. Martzloff.

Williamsville parent Dan Gestwick said, "That's exactly what we were looking for. Unfortunately, it came pretty late."

Gestwick is among those who were looking for more information. He feels better after watching the superintendent's web message.

"The message today was what we wanted to hear. That was the most disturbing incident, I think. The bullying was long-term. What happened at homecoming was just inexcusable. People heard it. People knew who the person was. When we still saw nothing being done, that's when I started to get a little more involved," said Gestwick.

Earlier this week, the sister of Jamey Rodemeyer, Alyssa, told News 4's George Richert about an incident she witnessed at the homecoming dance.

"They played a Lady Gaga song so we all started chanting for them because Lady Gaga was his life and a group of like three of his bullies started yelling back like they're glad he's dead and they're so happy he killed himself. Some obscenities. It was just horrible," recalled Alyssa.

This new information coming from the superintendent marks a major shift in school district policy. Earlier this week, Dr. Martzloff told News 4, "It would be great to do that, to be able to say, 'Just so everyone knows, today someone was suspended or someone experienced a long-term suspension from school' or whatever the consequence may be. But for confidentiality reasons for the student that may have perpetrated those offenses, we can't do that."

Amherst Police tell News 4 they have interviewed Alyssa regarding the incident and are following up on information obtained from her. Through a spokesperson, Dr. Martzloff denied a request for an interview on Friday.