Teacher removed for molestation

PURWOKERTO, Central Java: A math teacher has been removed from the Sumbang Junior High School II here following allegations by 13 students that he sexually harassed them.

The school's principal, Sutarpin, said on Wednesday that in their petition demanding Budiyanto's dismissal, the students admitted to having been molested during class. A group of male classmates also signed the petition.

"He (Budiyanto) asked some of the girls to take seats in the rear row. He molested the students while pretending to show the students how to solve a problem," Sutarpin said.

The headmaster said the decision to remove Budiyanto came after consulting the head of local education, Sutjipto.

"Budiyanto will be fired if he repeats his immoral conduct," Sutarpin said. (45)