Anger over an alleged strip search of four girls at a Binghamton middle school now is receiving attention across the United States.

The Associated Press picked up the story from the Press & Sun-Bulletin. With that, the controversy over what happened at East Middle School went national.

The story was posted to websites and reported on TV and radio newscasts.

A group called Progressive Leaders of Tomorrow said the black students were questioned and strip-searched after they appeared "hyper and giddy during their lunch hour." The actions allegedly were conducted by a school nurse and assistant principal.

School district residents packed a board of education meeting to discuss the reported incident.

A statement released by the city school district said the incident was "immediately investigated" after someone reported a "concern regarding our procedures and application of student searches."

The statement acknowledged the incident "had the unintended consequences of making the students feel traumatized."

The district statement also said "we sincerely apologize for the impact this has had."

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com

For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

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