Queens School Principal Faces Disturbing Charges: Parents Demand Answers

Disturbing Allegations Against Principal

• 🚨 A public high school principal in Queens is facing serious charges, including forcible touching and sexual abuse.
• 👨‍🏫 The 66-year-old administrator, identified as William Basel, is accused of repeatedly groping two adult female employees at the Academy of American Studies.
• 🚗 Allegations include grabbing victims' inner thighs without consent and blocking one from leaving a vehicle while touching her inappropriately.

School Leadership and Parent Concerns

• 🏫 School leadership held a meeting with concerned parents, which was streamed for those unable to attend.
• ❓ Parents expressed frustration and anxiety, seeking information on the plan to address the situation with students and the timeline for replacing the principal.
• 🗣️ The local superintendent stated that due to the active investigation, limited information could be shared.

Principal's Defense and Investigation Status

• ⚖️ Principal Basel denies all accusations, with his attorney calling them "baseless and vindictive allegations manufactured by two disgruntled employees."
• 🚫 He has been reassigned and is not currently involved in the day-to-day operations of the school.
• 🔍 The district attorney is examining the charges, and the investigation is ongoing.

Parent Dissatisfaction and Future Steps

• ⏳ Some parents feel it has taken too long for the complaints to be investigated.
• ❓ A key concern is how and when a replacement principal will be appointed, likely for the start of the next school year.
• 📢 Officials could not provide many details about the replacement process as Basel is still an employee.