Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
DOE Refuses To Fire Bronx Principal Who Finds Copy Machines Sexy
By
Ben Yakas
Published Jan 8, 2012
Modified Jan 8, 2012
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Ben Yakas
Published Jan 8, 2012
Modified Jan 8, 2012
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Last fall, officials investigated allegations that a Bronx high school principal had repeatedly harassed teachers by talking about his penis. Department of Education officials confirmed that Principal John Chase Jr. of Bronxdale High School made at least three remarks about oral sex to female staffers. But he was only disciplined with a letter of reprimand and sensitivity training. And now, fellow teachers and city officials are outraged that he still has his job: “The fact that he’s not being fired is insane,” one teacher told the News. “People are very uncomfortable around this guy. He needs to go.”
According to a Sept. 19 police report, Chase told one school staff member, “We have a fancy copy machine that does all sorts of things. It even has a hole to stick your dick in for a blow job." In addition, Chase talked about a hole in the wall—left behind by phone repairmen—with great enthusiasm, because he said it meant he could shove his member into it whenever he wanted. He also allegedly made other sexually explicit remarks to staff. The DOE investigation found that Chase violated regulations by "making inappropriate sexual comments," but did not say it was "harassment."
State Sen. Jeffrey Klein sent a letter to city Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott this week demanding Chase’s removal: “The mere fact that he was found guilty of sexual harassment undermines his authority as head of the school,” he wrote. Bronx City Councilman James Vacca also called for his removal, but Walcott refuses: “I’m not going to remove him, but he knows he cannot have any similar type of comments. He is on a very strict line as far as his behavior,” said Walcott, who claimed some school staffers want Chase to remain. The staff who don't want him there plan to hold a demonstration outside the school on Tuesday afternoon.
Tagged
bronx
bronxdale high school
copy machine
john chase jr.
oral sex
principal
sexy
Ben Yakas
Ben Yakas is a former Gothamist reporter.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Bronx woman found dead and infant in critical condition after balcony fall, NYPD says
Police say it's still unclear whether the pair jumped, fell or were pushed.
By
Brittany Kriegstein
Published Oct 6, 2026 at 7:28 a.m. ET
After Trump defunding, thousands losing rental assistance in NYC may finally have relief
The Trump administration issued new guidance outlining a plan to replace expiring rental assistance vouchers with a new program.
By
David Brand
News
After Trump defunding, thousands losing rental assistance in NYC may finally have relief
The Trump administration issued new guidance outlining a plan to replace expiring rental assistance vouchers with a new program.
By
David Brand
Blind man dismissed from grand jury duty can sue NY for discrimination, judge rules
By
Samantha Max
Gatorade recall affects drinks sold in New York and New Jersey
By
Giulia Heyward
Gov. Hochul declares upstate NY measles outbreak a ‘disaster emergency’
By
Caroline Lewis
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .