Fordham Prep teacher out over ‘credible’ molestation claims

By Michael Gartland
New York Post
August 08, 2016

http://nypost.com/2016/08/08/fordham-prep-teacher-out-over-credible-molestation-claims/

Fordham Prep High School Photo by Robert Kalfus

A popular religious studies teacher at a private all-boys school in The Bronx won’t be returning next semester after an investigation found accusations of sexual molestation three decades ago “credible,” officials said Monday.

Fernand Beck, who taught at the Fordham Prep for 47 years, is departing just months after a former student leveled the accusation near the end of the 2015-16 school year.

“We received an allegation from a Fordham Prep alumnus of the class of 1984 that religious studies teacher Mr. Fernand Beck sexually molested him shortly after he graduated,” said a letter that the school sent to parents and alumni last Friday.

“While Mr. Beck has denied this allegation, an investigation led by an independent counsel retained by Fordham Prep determined that the allegation is credible.”

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The letter — signed by school president Christopher Devron and principal Joseph Petriello — said the school immediately reported the allegations to law enforcement, the archdiocese and the school’s board.

Devron acknowledged Monday that the allegations aren’t being investigating by law enforcement “since the statute of limitations had long expired.”

Earlier this year, Fordham was rocked after two sophomores committed suicide by leaping in front of trains in two separate incidents. Devron said there is no connection between their deaths and the allegations against Beck.

“Fordham Prep will not and does not tolerate inappropriate teacher-student relationships and we treat seriously any allegation of harm against any student, whether present or past,” the letter said.

“In light of this difficult news, the pain that it causes, and the healing we seek, we ask that you join us in praying for the Fordham Prep community.”

Alumnae of the 175-year-old Jesuit school and parents expressed a mixture of shock and resignation at the news.

“I never heard any rumors about him,” said a 1994 alumnus and student in Beck’s Old Testament class. “But he was very odd.”

The alum recalled how Beck would fold up notes into small 1/8 inch squares before stowing them in his pocket.

But Beck also enjoyed a loyal following at The Prep, as it’s endearingly known to students. The Facebook page “Fernand Beck for Pope” was created in his honor, and both students and parents gushed about him on the website, Rate My Teachers.

“Not buying the news! Well respected by all!” wrote one parent on the same day Fordham sent the letter.

“LEGEND LEGEND LEGEND,” one student posted on March 18.

Beck did not return calls. The Day Pitney law firm conducted the investigation, but did not return calls.