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5d ago

Families File Petitions and Lawsuits to Block Acquitted Teacher Matthew Schlegel’s Return

Anne Arundel County Public Schools is wrapping up a legally mandated employment review that will decide if Schlegel returns to teaching.

Attorney Thiru Vignarajah, who is representing families of students involved in Matthew Schlegel’s case, speaks during a news conference outside Anne Arundel County Public Schools’ Dr. Carol Sheffey Parham Building in Annapolis on July 23. (Maggie Trovato/Staff)
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Overview

  • An Anne Arundel County jury acquitted Schlegel in mid-June on 18 counts of student sex abuse and prosecutors dropped the remaining charges after declining a July 1 retrial request.
  • The district is finalizing its internal review under state employment laws ahead of decisions on whether to reinstate or terminate Schlegel before the fall term.
  • Parents represented by attorney Thiru Vignarajah launched a petition on July 23 and have filed at least one civil lawsuit against the school board and principal alleging negligent hiring and emotional distress.
  • Defense attorney Patrick Seidel and the Teachers Association of Anne Arundel County emphasize Schlegel’s due process rights and condemn the petition and media campaign as harassment and misinformation.
  • The controversy spotlights tensions between legal verdicts and community safety concerns, prompting calls for stricter policies and safeguards against educator misconduct.