For Immediate Release

Contact: Erin Silk: 518.782.9400, ext. 224

Kennedy back in court for assaulting two Westchester nurses

MOUNT KISCO, June 13, 2012 – On June 14, Douglas Kennedy will return to Mount Kisco court to face assault charges of two Northern Westchester nurses – and members of the New York State Nurses Association will be at the court house to stand up to violence against nurses.

Nurses will line the street with a WALL OF SUPPORT
JUNE 14, 1:00 PM
Corner of Green St. and Moger Ave., Mt. Kisco, NY

Northern Westchester maternity nurses were following hospital protocol in January when they attempted to stop Kennedy from leaving the hospital with his newborn son, who had not yet been discharged. Kennedy responded with force, grabbing one nurse by the arm and pushing another to the floor, insisting that he had the right to take his son outside for fresh air.

While the law allows for a felony charge of assault, Kennedy is only being charged with harassment – a misdemeanor. Nurses Association members will be available to discuss their concerns about violence against nurses and inform the public about the law making it a Class D felony to assault a nurse while on duty.

The New York State Nurses Association is the voice for nursing in the Empire State. With more than 37,000 members, it is New York’s largest professional association and union for registered nurses. The association represents registered nurses, and some all-professional bargaining units, in New York and New Jersey. It supports nurses and nursing practice through education, research, legislative advocacy, and collective bargaining.

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