Valley Stream Trustee Accused Of Calling Autistic Man 'Special Ed'

VALLEY STREAM, NY — A Valley Stream resident with autism got into an online altercation with a village trustee, during which the official referred to him as "Special Ed" and "spectrum kid," screenshots of the conversation that were shared with Patch show.

Now the mayor of the town is demanding trustee Vincent Grasso apologize.

Grasso engaged in a social media exchange earlier this month with Amil Virani, a frequent attendee at village hearings who is active on local issues. Virani shared images of the correspondence with Patch.

During the exchange, Virani began questioning Grasso about his work on a project at the Atlantic Beach Bridge.

"Ok Special Ed," Grasso replied, according to images of the exchange. "I should have known why you don't drive. Now it's all becoming clear. Special Ed."

He also wrote that "people have told me that [you're] a spectrum kid."

As the conversation continued, the trustee added, "I realize I'm dealing with a special ed kid. I feel guilty about making you look like a fool," according to the messages Virani provided.

Grasso also asked Virani if he wore a helmet and wrote, "I'm going to let you get back to your coloring books."

"I think this is a very sad story about the dark side of social media, cyber-stalking and cyber-bullying and how social media can be weaponized," Grasso said in a statement in which he accused Virani of harassing him for months.

He continued: "Dealing with an obsessive stalker is extremely unpleasant and after six months of frustration, I made some very ill-chosen remarks for which I apologize and regret."

Virani said he complained about the messages because they offended him

"I never wanted to say it publicly, but the comment was so offensive," Virani, who has Aspergers, said. "Me and my sister had special education classes. My mom fought for us to get into special services."

He continued: "It shows the lack of professionalism that he has toward residents. It's disgusting."

"I call upon trustee Vincent Grasso to make a full apology to the individual who he targeted, as well as the entire Valley Stream community," Village of Valley Stream Mayor Edwin Fare said in a statement to Patch.

Fare called the remarks by Grasso "offensive and despicable."

The mayor did not mention him stepping down from the seat, but said as an elected official, Grasso "must be held accountable for his own comments and actions."