- By Shivangi Sharma
- Tue, 02 Sep 2025 04:33 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
A veteran New York City principal has come under fire after a lawsuit accused him of groping a 17-year-old student and sexually harassing multiple female staff members, turning his high school into what plaintiffs described as a “sexual playground.”
William Bassell, 66, principal of the Academy of American Studies in Queens since 2011, is at the centre of a federal lawsuit that alleges a pattern of misconduct spanning years. The complaint claims he harassed a teenage student and three female employees at the school while enjoying what critics say was institutional protection from the city’s Department of Education (DOE).
“While Bassell has been treating a New York City high school as his personal playground for sexual fulfilment, he has enjoyed the robust protections of the DOE,” the lawsuit alleges.
Criminal Charges Filed
Bassell was arrested on May 27 and charged with forcible touching and five counts of third-degree sexual abuse, according to the Queens District Attorney’s office. Prosecutors allege that he groped two female staff members in separate incidents, repeatedly grazing their inner thighs without consent in 2023 and 2024.
In one disturbing account detailed in the criminal complaint, Bassell allegedly blocked a woman from leaving a vehicle before touching her neck and breast over her clothing. Another incident described him using his position of authority to intimidate victims into silence.
Following his arrest, Bassell was arraigned before Queens Criminal Court Judge Sharifa Nasser-Cuellar, who released him on his own recognisance without bail. He is scheduled to return to court on July 24.
Principal Denies Allegations
Bassell’s attorney strongly denied the claims, dismissing them as “baseless and vindictive allegations manufactured by two disgruntled employees.” The defence further argued that the principal “maintains his innocence and is fully cooperating with all investigations,” expressing confidence that he will ultimately be exonerated. Despite his arrest, Bassell has not been fired but was instead reassigned by the DOE. Officials declined to specify where he has been placed.
DOE’s Response
A spokeswoman for New York City Public Schools said the district is taking the matter seriously: “We do not tolerate inappropriate behaviour of any kind, and we take these allegations very seriously. While we cannot comment on the specifics of this situation, we are addressing the matter urgently.”
