Former MoCo Principal Bullied, Sexually Harassed Staff, Report Finds

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — An investigation by Montgomery County’s inspector general found that a former middle school principal sexually harassed, bullied and retaliated against multiple district employees before he was placed on administrative leave.

According to a copy of the investigation's findings obtained by the Washington Post, former Farquhar Middle School principal Joel Beidleman violated Montgomery County Public Schools' sexual harassment and bullying policies and was a "divisive figure" within the district.

The inspector general's office interviewed 31 people who knew of Beidleman’s alleged misconduct — 15 of whom claimed to be victims of sexual harassment, bullying or retaliation — to substantiate the claims.

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"Many of those that cooperated with the investigation provided examples of instances where Beidleman yelled, screamed, and berated them, or otherwise behaved in an unprofessional manner," the investigation report stated. "Current and former staff members also provided examples of occasions where Beidleman commented on female staff members’ appearances, made remarks of a sexual nature to female subordinates, and pursued MCPS employees for sex."

The findings came three months after a Washington Post investigation discovered 18 reports of sexual harassment, bullying and retaliation had been recorded against Beidleman over multiple years.

The reports — submitted to the district by staff members, parents and others — detailed a pattern of harassment and inappropriate conduct spanning 12 years and three schools, according to documents obtained by the Post.

Despite receiving six reports in 2023, district officials promoted Biedleman in June to oversee Paint Branch High School in Burtonsville, the Post reported.

Following the release of the Post's investigation, Biedleman was placed on administrative leave, according to reports.

The report released focused solely on allegations of misconduct by Beidleman. A second investigation is scrutinizing the school district’s handling of misconduct complaints against employees, according to a separate Post report.

In a statement provided to WTOP, Superintendent Monifa McKnight said the report revealed "years of disturbing and egregious behavior."

“As I’ve said since this issue came to our attention this summer, I will take swift, decisive action based on investigative findings. Now that the OIG has referred this matter to me, I am moving forward without delay to ensure that wrongdoing is held to full account,” McKnight said.