New Allegations Against NYC Principal
William Bussell, the principal of the Academy of American Studies in Queens, is facing serious new allegations following a recent arrest. He’s been accused of turning public schools into “sexual playgrounds,” with a focus on inappropriate behavior toward both students and teachers.
Since 2011, Bussell, 66, has been implicated in sexual harassment cases involving a 17-year-old and multiple female staff members at the school. According to the lawsuit, he treated high schools as venues for his personal gratification, taking advantage of protections provided by the Department of Education (DOE).
The lawsuit describes Bussell as someone who has been viewed by students and faculty as “creepy,” with a persistent history of misconduct. He was placed on leave after being arrested in May on charges related to sexual abuse, yet he reportedly still holds his position with a hefty salary of $204,305.
Specific allegations include groping, intrusive questions about women’s sexual lives, and lewd comments. Bussell’s actions reportedly extend to making inappropriate comments about students’ sexual activities, which adds to the troubling environment.
Years of complaints have supposedly gone unaddressed by DOE officials, leaving victims feeling unsupported. The four women bringing the lawsuit are currently DOE employees, including a former student who has chosen to use her name in the case.
One particularly disturbing claim comes from an incident during a school trip in February 2015, where Bussell allegedly touched a then-17-year-old’s thigh and skirt without consent. After initially reporting the incident to a teacher, the student encountered intimidation from DOE investigators aimed at silencing her.
Another plaintiff, Tara Murphy, detailed several inappropriate episodes with Bussell, including unwanted physical contact and sexual remarks about students. In one encounter, he reportedly made her feel uncomfortable to the point of hyperventilation.
There are also allegations involving other students engaging in sexual acts at school and beyond, which Bussell has reportedly referenced inappropriately.
When Murphy sought support from the United Federation of Teachers, she was met with discouragement, feeling that Bussell was effectively untouchable due to his longstanding position with the DOE.
In 2020, an anonymous Instagram account accused Bussell of similar misconduct, noting inappropriate behavior toward his female staff. With more victims coming forward, it raises serious questions about how complaints have been handled in the past.
Bussell is scheduled for his next court appearance in Queens on Thursday, coinciding with the first day of public school.
