The Department of Education is backing away from its plan to house suspended students at the Petrides Educational Complex, and Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott said the decision was due to parents' negative reactions to the plan.

The move comes after a raucous meeting Wednesday Night that involved dozens of outspoken parents who cited safety concerns and demanded the city look elsewhere.

In a statement Walcott said, "I was upset and offended by some of the comments and behavior last night. I understand parents have concerns and I value their feedback, but the vitriol and hostility toward our students was not acceptable, and for a variety of reasons I no longer feel comfortable moving forward with placing the AC on the Petrides campus."

Walcott says the city will look for another location on Staten Island to house the Alternative Learning Center.