Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in New York

Threatening Teacher

Is it legal for a teacher to make threats to a student (not death threats) that he will put them in a considerable amount of pain (''You'll need God's help'' and ''Pain is going to become a constant friend of yours'')? As far as I know, he has never carried them out, but he does put students an headlocks and gives them wet willies. He belittles them as well (he called one student too stupid to cheat on a test). On occasion, he deliberately made a student feel awkward (he put his face very close to hers) to convince her to join Track & Field (he's the coach, as well as being the Wrestling coach). Quite a few of my friends are scared of him. People I have talked to said they think it's wrong and creepy, but I wanted to know a legal expert's opinion.


Asked on 7/11/08, 6:14 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Carlos Gonzalez Gonzalez Legal Associates PLLC

Re: Threatening Teacher

the physical touching is easy, like the head lock - that is considered assault - no one is allowed to touch your person without your consent/ permission.

also, while being screamed at does not constitute assault if it is repeated behavior and cuases fear then it may be considered an attempted assault...

your best bet would be to tell your parent(s), and have them communicate with the school about the situation...

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Answered on 7/12/08, 11:02 am


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