Petition Seeks to Stop Return of Maryland Teacher Acquitted of Abuse

A group of Maryland families is urging Anne Arundel County Public Schools to prevent a former third-grade teacher, recently acquitted of child sex abuse charges, from returning to the classroom.

Matthew Schlegel was found not guilty in June on 18 counts of sexual offenses, while three additional charges were dismissed. He had been accused of sexually abusing eight students between 2022 and 2024 during his time at an elementary school in Anne Arundel County.

“After investigations by multiple state agencies and a full public trial, he was acquitted of all charges,” Schlegel’s attorneys said in a statement. “That verdict is not just a legal technicality, it is a formal recognition that the allegations against him were not supported by credible evidence.”

Although the jury cleared Schlegel of wrongdoing after a five-week trial, families of some of the alleged victims and their advocates say the outcome doesn’t tell the full story. They’ve launched a petition demanding that the district bar Schlegel from returning to any teaching role.

“Even one allegation is enough,” said attorney Thiru Vignarajah, who represents several of the families. “One violation of a child’s trust, of a family’s trust, of a community’s trust, is enough for termination—and certainly enough to preclude that person from returning to a teaching role.”

Schlegel had been suspended without pay during the investigation and trial. Following his acquittal, the school system reinstated his employment status, though it is still reviewing his future within the district.

The petition, initiated by the families and Vignarajah, calls on the district to put student safety ahead of policy or precedent.

“Teaching is not a right. It is a responsibility and a privilege,” the petition reads. “We believe student safety must come first.”

Vignarajah said the petition aims to make sure the district hears the public’s concern: “Individuals who betray our trust and exploit our children should never again teach in Anne Arundel County.”

Since his release from custody, Schlegel has been barred from contacting the alleged victims or being alone with minors. His legal team maintains that he is innocent and deserving of a second chance.

“Mr. Schlegel has the right to rebuild his life and career without being subjected to a campaign of misinformation and harassment,” his attorney stated. “I urge everyone to respect the judicial outcome, cease the spread of falsehoods, and consider the harm being done—not only to him, but to the integrity of our community.”

The school district has yet to make a final decision regarding Schlegel’s teaching future.

Families Petition To Block Return of Maryland Teacher Acquitted On Child Sex Abuse Charges  was originally published on wolbbaltimore.com