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Yeshiva University Drops Convicted Sex Offender

Akiva Roth had previously taught at JTS

by
Yair Rosenberg
October 11, 2013
Yeshiva University High School for Boys.(© Matthew X. Kiernan/New York Big Apple Images)
Yeshiva University High School for Boys.(© Matthew X. Kiernan/New York Big Apple Images)

On Tuesday, the Forward reported that Yeshiva University had hired Akiva Roth, who pleaded guilty in 1997 to lewd conduct with minors, as a Hebrew instructor. Yesterday, Tablet reported that Roth had taught Hebrew Grammar at the Jewish Theological Seminary just a few years after his conviction. JTS denied knowledge of his offense. Now Yeshiva University has let Roth go, stating that he had begun teaching before their screening process was complete. Here’s their official statement:

After an extensive review of this matter, Mr. Roth is no longer employed by the University. To our knowledge, he has not engaged in any inappropriate conduct during his time at YU. While all appointments are subject to thorough background checks, the University erred in this case, permitting the new hire to begin teaching before the screening process had been completed. Yeshiva University will continue to re-evaluate its hiring processes and work to close any gaps in our procedure.

Yair Rosenberg is a senior writer at Tablet. Subscribe to his newsletter, listen to his music, and follow him on Twitter and Facebook.