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.

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.