Woman files lawsuit against NYC for protecting Queens principal accused of sex abuse.
A fifth woman has come forward with a lawsuit against the New York City Department of Education, alleging systemic negligence in addressing years of sexual abuse and harassment by William Bassell, a principal at the Academy of American Studies in Astoria, Queens. The lawsuit, which was filed in federal court, identifies the accuser as Jane Doe and outlines troubling allegations against the 66-year-old Bassell, including a pattern of inappropriate behavior and textual harassment.
According to the lawsuit, after beginning her employment at the school in 2019, Jane Doe received an overwhelming number of text messages—more than 30,000—over a span of time. The suit claims that Bassell, who initially presented himself as a mentor, engaged in inappropriate physical contact with her over the years, leading to severe emotional distress. The situation reportedly escalated earlier this year when she attempted to transfer to another school, prompting retaliatory actions from Bassell.
This legal action follows Bassell’s recent arrest on sex abuse charges in May 2025, after Jane Doe and another victim reported him to the Queens District Attorney’s Office. The criminal charges against Bassell are still active, and he has not publicly commented on the latest allegations.
Jane Doe’s claims come on the heels of another significant lawsuit which describes Bassell as a “serial predator,” known by the nickname “Creepy Bill” due to multiple incidents of unwelcome touching and inappropriate remarks made towards staff and students. The accusers mentioned in the previous lawsuit include a guidance counselor and additional staff members who assert that they faced similar unwanted attention and retaliation for speaking out.
The lawyer representing Jane Doe, Annie Seifullah, emphasized the fear and reluctance to report such behavior within the Department of Education, likening its inner workings to a “black box.” She contended that Bassell’s status—a powerful figure within the principals’ union—contributed to a culture of silence surrounding complaints against him.
The harassment allegations outlined in the lawsuit include incidents in which Bassell purportedly touched Jane Doe under the guise of fixing her clothing and sent messages that conveyed possessiveness and explicit sexual undertones. Despite her attempts to seek help through union representatives, she faced dismissive attitudes, which compounded her distress until she ultimately filed a formal criminal complaint.
On May 26, 2025, her decision to approach authorities led to Bassell’s immediate arrest, yet the psychological ramifications lingered as she was tasked by the Department of Education to address his removal in front of colleagues, while concealing her traumatic experiences of harassment and abuse.
Responses from the NYC Law Department and Department of Education regarding the lawsuit have been non-existent, leaving many questions unanswered about systemic failures in preventing such abuses in educational institutions. The situation continues to unfold, emphasizing the urgent need for accountability and reform within school districts.
