Lawsuit claims NYC Department of Education ignored sexual misconduct allegations against Queens principal.

Four women have initiated a lawsuit against the New York City Education Department and William Bassell, the principal of Academy of American Studies in Astoria, Queens. The lawsuit, filed in Brooklyn Federal Court, accuses Bassell, 66, of being a serial sexual predator who allegedly created a hostile environment for female students and staff over the span of a decade. This legal action comes just months after Bassell’s arrest on multiple counts of sexual abuse.

The plaintiffs include a former student who claims she was assaulted by Bassell during a school field trip to the Metropolitan Opera in February 2015, as well as a guidance counselor and two staff members who allege they endured sexual harassment from him. According to the lawsuit, the Education Department failed to take appropriate action against Bassell despite numerous complaints about his behavior, allowing him to allegedly misuse his position within the school.

On May 26, Bassell was arrested after allegedly groping two female employees at the school over a year-long period. Reports indicate that his behavior included physically blocking one of the women from exiting a vehicle while he inappropriately touched her. His next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday, with Bassell currently suspended from his role as principal and denying all allegations against him.

The lawsuit describes Bassell as having earned the monikers “Creepy Bill” and “Creepy Bassell” among students and faculty, asserting that he used the school as a venue for grooming and sexual misconduct. The Education Department is accused of enabling Bassell’s predatory behavior through indifference and a lack of effective response to prior reports of misconduct.

One alleged victim, Khiabet Leal, has stated that she became a target of Bassell’s advances after transferring to the Academy due to prior bullying. During the mentioned field trip, after experiencing discomfort, she was reportedly subjected to unwanted touching by Bassell, which she later confided to faculty members. Subsequent reports of the incident to the Education Department led to an alleged investigation that Leal described as intimidating and dismissive.

Other plaintiffs have shared experiences of harassment, with one former assistant principal detailing unwanted advances that led her to accept a significantly lower-paying job elsewhere to escape the situation. The lawsuit highlights a pervasive culture of fear and silence surrounding Bassell’s conduct, with allegations suggesting that many potential victims may have refrained from speaking out due to concerns over retaliation.

As this case unfolds, it raises critical questions about accountability and oversight within the New York City Education Department. The case has attracted significant attention, prompting discourse on the need for more robust measures to protect students and staff in educational environments. Both the Education Department and Bassell’s legal team have yet to provide comments on the ongoing litigation.

This lawsuit not only seeks justice for the individuals involved but aims to shed light on systemic issues regarding the management of sexual misconduct claims in schools. The broader implications for educational institutions and their responsibilities towards safeguarding their communities from such behaviors are significant and warrant further examination.