Charge teacher for throwing book at student
His defense: ‘In my country, it’s okay’

A 68-year-old substitute teacher at a Jamaica middle school has been arraigned on charges of assaulting a 13-year-old student by throwing a science book at him.
“Under no circumstances is it ever appropriate for a teacher to hurl objects at students,” said District Attorney Richard A. Brown. “Such behavior poses a threat to the safety of all those in the classroom.”
Syed A. Abdullah, of Fresh Meadows, had been working only three months as a substitute teacher for the New York City Department of Education (DOE) when, on the afternoon of Monday, October 29 he hurled a science book at a student at I.S. 217, located at 85-05 144th Street.
But instead of hitting his “target,” Abdullah hit 13-year-old Sanjay Somaiah in the back of the head, resulting in swelling and substantial pain to the student. As a precaution, the student was taken to a local hospital for observation.
When questioned by authorities why he struck the pupil, the defendant, a native of Bangladesh, allegedly said, “In my country, it’s okay.”
Abdullah was arraigned on Tuesday, October 30 on charges of third-degree assault, second-degree reckless endangerment, endangering the welfare of a child and second-degree harassment. Abdullah, who faces up to a year in jail if convicted, was released on his own recognizance and ordered to return to court on December 13.
“He will not be receiving any additional substitute assignments pending the outcome of the investigation,” said Dina Paul Parks, DOE spokesperson.