Assistant Principal Removed After Harassment Allegations

An assistant principal, who was designated as a “sexual harassment prevention” liaison at a top public school in Queens, has been removed following allegations from 13 girls accusing him of inappropriate behavior. This incident came to light recently.

Hector L. Diaz, known as the “All Respect” Liaison at Queens High School of Science in York College, reportedly made comments suggesting girls were dressed like they were heading to a club, and he also relied on racial stereotypes regarding Asian Americans. Furthermore, allegations include him grabbing one girl’s arm and rubbing another student’s back.

Queens High School of Science, an elite specialized high school under the city’s Department of Education, is situated on the CUNY campus in Jamaica, hosting 498 students, of which a significant 81% identify as Asian.

In a concerning email sent to Principal Ana de Jesus on April 17, senior Kiki Zou, 17, emphasized how Diaz’s behavior affected a tightly-knit community of students and friends. Zou submitted ten complaints from female classmates, detailing how these experiences made them feel uncomfortable, intimidated, and scared.

One excerpt from the complaints includes:

• “Diaz randomly stopped us and asked if we were going to the club as a joke in the hallway.”

• “Diaz was recruiting students for Colour Guard. My friend and I were interested, but had scheduling conflicts. He seemed eager to train us right then.”

• “I greeted Diaz as I do with all teachers, but he then engaged me in a personal conversation that felt unwelcome. He rubbed my back, which made me uncomfortable.”

• “Diaz mentioned that my parents would disapprove of my involvement, which I felt was a racist comment.”

• “He approached me in the hallway and placed his hands on me, making me very uneasy afterwards.”

• “I recall him using a strange tone with me, and I felt the need to leave the area.”

• “When visiting the counselor, he blocked the exit and inquired excessively about my personal life.”

• “In another concerning incident, Diaz texted a senior who had not given him her number.”

The student who informed Principal de Jesus claimed the principal promised to address the supervision issue, but did not follow up. Complaints were subsequently sent to the special investigation committee for city schools.

Since 2023, the Special Commissioner of Investigation (SCI) has opened nine cases against Diaz, including seven this year, yet no investigation has been launched, according to a spokesperson. Instead, these complaints were transferred to the DOE’s internal special investigation office for further review.

Diaz, age 54, holds state certification as an elementary teacher for grades 4 to 6. He was appointed as a dean in 2009 and later transitioned into a role with the DOE’s assistant principals. His record includes a previous incident that resulted in the closure of a school after a student was fatally stabbed.

Diaz was officially removed from Queens High School of Science this month due to the harassment allegations. Principal de Jesus communicated this decision to families in an email dated June 17, though she noted her limitations in discussing details about the situation. “While I can’t provide specifics, I take these issues seriously and necessary steps will be taken,” she wrote.

As for Diaz’s current employment status, DOE officials have not confirmed whether he is assigned to another school.

A spokesperson for the DOE condemned Diaz’s alleged behavior, stating, “All forms of harassment are intolerable in our schools. A thorough investigation is ongoing, and appropriate action will follow.”

Attempts to contact Diaz for comment were unsuccessful, as he declined to engage and hung up the phone.