NYC Touro Professor Accused of Sexual Abuse to Lead ‘Ethics’ Course in Shocking Return to Classroom

Edited by: TJVNews.com

Touro University, a well-regarded New York City institution of higher learning, known for its commitment to ethical education, finds itself at the center of a growing controversy. According to the information provided in a report that appeared on Saturday in The New York Post, Menachem “Mendy” Kiwak, an adjunct professor in the behavioral sciences department, who was charged with sexual abuse, harassment, and forcible touching earlier this year, is scheduled to resume teaching next month. The report added that in a decision that has baffled many, Kiwak is slated to teach a course on “Professional, Legal & Ethical Issues in Counseling,” both online and at an unspecified offsite location.

This development has sparked outrage among faculty and raised serious questions about the university’s commitment to maintaining ethical standards. According to an online schedule of classes, Kiwak will continue his role as an instructor, despite the serious charges against him. As was reported by The Post, this has prompted one of his colleagues to describe the situation as “an absolute travesty,” expressing shock that the university would allow him to teach under such circumstances.

Kiwak was charged in May with multiple serious offenses, including sexual abuse, harassment, and forcible touching. The charges stem from accusations made by a woman who sought private counseling from him after being a victim of sexual assault. As per the information contained in The Post report, she claims that Kiwak coerced her into having sex with him on multiple occasions. These allegations paint a disturbing picture, particularly given Kiwak’s role as a counselor, a position that demands the highest ethical standards.

Despite the gravity of these charges, Kiwak pleaded not guilty and was permitted to complete the school year. Indicated in The Post report was that the decision to allow him to return to the classroom, particularly to teach a course on ethics, has left many faculty members and students bewildered and concerned.

A Touro University adjunct professor who was charged with sexually abusing a patient is scheduled to return to the classroom next month and, bizarrely, teach a class on ethics, The Post has learned.

An online schedule of classes listed Menachem “Mendy” Kiwak as the instructor of… pic.twitter.com/IwOfGVkEhX

— Qᴀɢɢ.ɴᴇᴡꜱ (@qaggnews) August 24, 2024

The controversy is further compounded by the silence of Touro University’s administration. According to sources within the institution, Touro officials have not addressed the scandal with either students or faculty, as was explained in The Post report. This lack of transparency has fueled speculation that Kiwak’s continued employment may be influenced by his personal connections within the university.

One of Kiwak’s colleagues, who requested anonymity due to fear of retaliation, suggested to The Post that Kiwak’s mother-in-law, Dr. Faye Walkenfeld, who chairs the behavioral sciences department where Kiwak works, may be protecting him. The Post report added that the professor expressed confidence that Kiwak would have been dismissed if not for this familial connection, pointing to the potential influence of nepotism in the university’s decision-making process.

The allegations against Kiwak are not limited to the charges brought by the accuser. The same colleague revealed to The Post that, several months before Kiwak’s arrest, the accuser’s advocate had informed Dr. Walkenfeld of not only the allegations but also complaints from female students. These students accused Kiwak of using inappropriate language, including sex slang and profanity, and discussing pornography in his classes, as was pointed out in The Post report. In one particularly troubling instance, Kiwak allegedly argued that there is no such thing as marital rape.

These accusations suggest a troubling pattern of behavior that raises serious concerns about Kiwak’s suitability as an educator, particularly in a field as sensitive as counseling.

A recording obtained by The Post, featuring a conversation between Kiwak and the woman he is accused of abusing, as well as her husband, reveals a potentially incriminating statement. The Post reported that in the recording, Kiwak seemingly acknowledges his wrongdoing, stating, “I’m sorry that I took advantage and that I’m hurting, that I’ve hurt you. I know you’re angry and that you’re pissed at me. But I promise you, it’s the worst I’ve ever fallen in my life. In my life.”

This apology, while not an outright admission of guilt, strongly suggests that Kiwak is aware of the harm he caused. The recorded statement adds weight to the accusations against him and has intensified scrutiny on both Kiwak and Touro University’s handling of the case.

Following inquiries from The Post, Touro University spokesman Jordan Isenstadt initially stated that Kiwak “is not scheduled to work this semester” and that he remains on “administrative leave.” However, this statement appears to contradict the information available in the university’s own course schedule. The report in The Post said that as of late Friday, Kiwak was still listed as the instructor for an online course, “Professional, Legal & Ethical Issues in Counseling,” with 19 of the 20 available seats already filled. The course is scheduled for Monday evenings, from 5 pm to 7:40 pm, creating confusion and raising doubts about the university’s claims.

When asked for clarification on whether Kiwak is permitted to work in the upcoming semester and teach the online course, Isenstadt did not provide a response to The Post. This silence has only fueled further speculation and concern, leaving both students and faculty in the dark about the true status of Kiwak’s employment and the university’s stance on the matter.

Kiwak’s legal troubles extend beyond the criminal charges he faces. He holds a mental health counseling license in New York and a professional counselor license as a marriage and family therapist in New Jersey. According to The Post report, the woman who accused Kiwak of sexual abuse has filed a complaint with the New York State Office of Professional Discipline (OPD), which is responsible for investigating allegations of sexual misconduct and other professional violations.

The OPD’s investigation could result in significant disciplinary action against Kiwak, including fines, suspension, or even the revocation of his licenses. Noted in The Post report was that such outcomes would not only affect his ability to practice as a counselor but also raise further questions about his suitability to continue teaching, particularly in courses focused on ethics and professional conduct.

The Kiwak case has placed Touro University at a critical juncture. The institution is now under intense scrutiny for its handling of the situation, particularly its apparent reluctance to communicate openly with its community about the allegations and Kiwak’s current status. The mixed signals regarding his teaching schedule, coupled with the disturbing content of the recorded apology, have eroded trust in the university’s leadership and its commitment to upholding ethical standards.