Rabbi Resigns from Towson University Post

Rabbi Barry Freundel, a professor of philosophy and religious studies at Towson University who is in the midst of court proceedings for voyeurism, has reportedly resigned.

His resignation is effective March 27, according to The Baltimore Sun.

University officials reported they were “concerned” once police began an investigation last fall amid allegations that Freundel had installed a hidden camera inside a ritual bath in Georgetown, where he sometimes took students on field trips.

Towson University placed Freundel on administrative leave in October and has since paid him more than $26,000, in accordance with policies established by the University of Maryland System, WBAL reported.

• Rabbi Pleads Guilty to 52 Counts of Voyeurism
• Towson Students Join Lawsuit Against Georgetown Rabbi
• Rabbi May Have Secretly Recorded More Than 150 Women
• Authorities Set Up Hotline for Potential Victims of Rabbi

The rabbi may have videotaped up to 150 women in all, with Towson University students reportedly among them, and he pleaded guilty last month to 52 counts of voyeurism.

His resignation from Towson reportedly allows the university to sidestep a costly administrative hearing process.

Freundel had taught at Towson as a tenured professor since 2009, according to the Baltimore Jewish Times.

At the time charges were brought against him last fall, Freundel was teaching classes on ethics and religion, The Baltimore Sun reported.

When his resignation takes effect, the university will have paid him $30,830, according to the Baltimore Jewish Times.

Freundel will be sentenced May 15, according to WJZ. Judge Geoffrey Alprin said the rabbi faces up to one year in jail for each charge, NBC reported.

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