City Watchdog Substantiates Sexual Misconduct Allegations Against Brooklyn Educator

A probe by the Special Commissioner of Investigation for the NYC School District (SCI) has substantiated claims of sexual misconduct against a teacher formerly stationed at Restoration Academy in Bedford-Stuyvesant. The findings, released Thursday, detail two separate incidents involving Zhengxian “Remy” Li.

According to the SCI report, the investigation was initiated after officials received an online complaint regarding a virtual parent-teacher conference. Investigators stated that during a recorded session, Li stood up from his desk while another participant was speaking, exposing his genital area and buttocks to those in attendance. A subsequent complaint, filed approximately three weeks later, alleged that Li was observed inside a school classroom with his clothing lowered, engaging in actions described by investigators as consistent with masturbation.

Special Commissioner Anastasia Coleman condemned the behavior, labeling it "disturbing" and fundamentally incompatible with the duties of an educator. "Engaging in sexually inappropriate behavior in a school building and during virtual meetings involving parents is unacceptable," Coleman said in a statement, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy for such conduct within the city's public school system.

As a result of the findings, the SCI has recommended that the Department of Education (DOE) terminate Li’s employment. Furthermore, the agency has advised that a "problem code" be attached to his personnel file to bar him from future employment with the DOE or its associated vendors. The SCI also indicated that its findings have been forwarded to the New York State Education Department for potential further action.

It remains unclear whether criminal charges will be pursued in connection with these allegations. Inquiries regarding the current status of Li’s employment and potential legal proceedings were directed to the DOE and the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office, though responses were not immediately available. This investigation follows a separate recent probe into a former Queens educator, who was also found to have engaged in sexual misconduct, according to city officials.