Long Island Teacher Resigns After 'Disturbing Allegations'

BABYLON, NY — A Babylon High School teacher who was escorted out of class last week after facing "disturbing allegations" is officially no longer employed.

At a special meeting Tuesday night, the Babylon Board of Education announced that they approved a separation agreement with a "professional staff member," which includes the teacher's resignation from the district effective Nov. 8.

The teacher was escorted from his classroom last week and was "immediately reassigned to home." He is currently under investigation by Suffolk County police.

A replacement teacher has already been hired to replace the staff member, a representative confirmed.

Several parents attended the meeting, voicing their concerns about the "culture" of the district.

One woman claimed that in a previous experience, a "high level staff member" had posted "explicit and very discouraging emails", but when brought to the board's attention, little seemed to be done.

"I think it's your obligation, first and foremost, not to protect the staff members, but to protect our youngest children," she said to the board. "We have an opportunity right now to address that."

Another woman claimed that when she and her husband were told they "needed more proof" after attempting to make a complaint to administration on behalf of their child.

"It was never addressed," she said. "It is not my job to bring back kids to say something. It is your job to make a list of people who've been involved with that same thing. You are to believe the child."

One woman shared her own experience of being abused by a teacher at the age of 12.
"I was not the first student that this teacher had been involved with and I was certainly not the last," she said. " I am supporting more concrete, measurable and simultaneous actions regarding the prevention, detection, reported transparency, significant consequences for perpetrators, and support for the victims."

The board claimed that they could not legally discuss the terms of the employee's settlement, since he has seven days to revoke the settlement. However, they repeatedly told community members that their concerns and complaints are taken seriously.

" We've held people accountable here, sometimes for the first time ever, and we have excellent people here too," they said. "We don't want their reputation tarnished, either. I have a very good staff here that continues to do the best for our children. "

Patch is committed to reporting this developing story from all perspectives, and wishes to give a voice to anyone who believes they were harmed or abused as a minor. If you wish to share your experience or any information on this matter, email: maureen.mullarkey@patch.com or lisa.finn@patch.com.