A 6-year-old boy in Fordham is afraid to go to school following at-home drug abuse claims by school administrators.
The family of Ethan Gomez, a first-grader at P.S. 209, says he's been traumatized since his teacher and principal allegedly began prying into his home life.
"They're saying, 'Does anybody in your home do drugs?' and they smelled his clothes," says Ariel Gomez, Ethan's mother. "And he said no because he don't know whether they do or they don't. Because he's 6."
It's unclear how accusations of drug use originated, but Ethan's mother adamantly denies such activities.
"There's absolutely nothing going on in my home for them to be asking any questions to my son," she says.
Teachers are mandated by law to report suspected child abuse and mistreatment. The National Action Network got involved, concerned about the fact that any child could be confronted with such claims, especially at Ethan's age.
Gomez says not just her son, but all students, deserve a nurturing environment at school.
"They're here to learn," she says. "Not to be questioned about what's going on at home."
Ethan will not be returning to P.S. 209. At a meeting Monday between his family and school officials, it was determined that Ethan will be allowed to transfer to another elementary school.
The Department of Education tells News 12 it is looking into the incident.