Four women have filed a lawsuit against the New York City Department of Education (DOE) and William Bassell, the longtime principal of the Academy of American Studies in Astoria, Queens. The lawsuit accuses Bassell of being a serial sexual predator who used the school as a “personal playground for sexual fulfillment” for over a decade. The allegations surfaced shortly after his arrest on sexual abuse charges in May 2025.
Bassell, who earned the nickname “Creepy Bill” among students and staff, faces five counts of sexual abuse after allegedly groping two women working at the school. His arrest followed a pattern of abusive behavior, which included inappropriate touching, comments, and unwelcome advances toward multiple women. The lawsuit claims that the DOE failed to take action despite several reports of misconduct, allowing Bassell to continue his predatory behavior.
Survivors Tell Their Stories
Among the accusers is Leslie Kohn, an assistant principal at the Academy, who says Bassell’s harassment began before she officially started her position in 2022. Kohn alleges that Bassell persistently touched and stroked her without permission and sent her inappropriate messages. In response, she was forced to leave the position and take a job elsewhere, taking a substantial pay cut to escape his advances.
Another accuser, Tara Murphy, a licensed social worker at the school, said that Bassell began with inappropriate comments and unwanted physical contact shortly after she was hired in 2021. Murphy, who reported the harassment to her union representatives, claims that the school’s administration failed to address the situation.
Khiabet Leal, a former student of Bassell, accuses him of sexual assault during a 2015 field trip to the Metropolitan Opera. Leal, who later became a city school teacher, said that Bassell sexually assaulted her while she was suffering from a migraine and stomach ache. Despite reporting the incident, Leal alleges that investigators from the DOE responded with skepticism and even threatened her academic future.
Further Allegations of Systemic Failures
The lawsuit alleges that the DOE was complicit in enabling Bassell’s behavior through “deliberate indifference.” The accusers argue that multiple reports of his misconduct were ignored, and there was a failure to properly investigate or intervene. The suit claims that Bassell was allowed to continue his tenure at the school, further victimizing students and staff members.
Additionally, the lawsuit suggests that the DOE’s failure to act has left many other victims reluctant to come forward. Some individuals, fearing retaliation from Bassell or the administration, are hesitant to expose the full extent of his behavior.
How Helping Survivors Can Support Victims
Workplace sexual abuse can have profound and lasting effects on survivors. If you or someone you know has experienced similar abuse in a school or workplace, it’s important to understand that help is available. Survivors of sexual misconduct have the right to legal support, resources, and guidance to assist them through the healing process.
At Helping Survivors, we connect individuals impacted by workplace abuse to trusted legal professionals and resources that can offer the support they need. If you believe you’ve been subjected to sexual misconduct or your rights have been violated, contact Helping Survivors today. Our team is here to help you understand your legal options.
