Assistant Principal Removed Amid Allegations of Inappropriate Behavior

An assistant principal responsible for “sexual harassment prevention” at a prominent Queens high school has been transferred following accusations from 13 female students alleging uncomfortable and inappropriate conduct. The educator, Hector L. Diaz, also served as a “Respect for All” liaison at Queens High School for the Sciences at York College.

Students reported that Diaz made comments suggesting girls dressed for “the club,” used racial stereotypes about Asian-Americans, and engaged in physical gestures such as grabbing and rubbing students’ arms and backs without consent. A senior student recounted multiple disturbing incidents, including inappropriate comments, unwanted physical contact, and racist remarks, which left many students feeling unsafe.

The allegations prompted a formal complaint by a student who informed the principal, but she reportedly did not receive feedback or action, forwarding concerns instead to the city’s investigation unit. The city’s Office of the Special Commissioner of Investigation (SCI) has opened nine cases against Diaz since 2023, primarily this year, though none have been actively pursued as of now.

Following internal reviews, Diaz was removed from the school earlier this month. Principal Ana De Jesus informed families that Diaz “is no longer part of our community” and emphasized her serious approach to any concerns raised.

Records show Diaz holds state certifications for elementary teaching and leadership. His prior roles include serving as a dean and interim assistant principal in the Bronx, at a school that was shut down after a student was fatally stabbed in 2017.

The Department of Education (DOE) declined to specify whether Diaz remains employed at a different institution but stated that all harassment allegations are taken seriously, and investigations are ongoing. Meanwhile, Diaz declined to comment when contacted by phone.