Severna Park parents, residents launch petition against Schlegel returning to teaching

SEVERNA PARK, Md. (WBFF) — Families of those who accused Matthew Schlegel, a Severna Park elementary school teacher, of sexual abuse, along with residents and other parents, are launching a petition against Anne Arundel County Public Schools to prevent his return to the classroom.

Following a month-long trial, Schlegel was cleared of more than a dozen criminal charges. The acquittal allowed him to return home to his family after more than a year behind bars. But whether he’ll return to teaching remains up for debate.

Following the verdict, Anne Arundel County Public Schools lifted Schlegel’s unpaid suspension and restored his full employment.

Today, former Deputy Attorney Thiru Vignarajah, who represents some of the families, shared the petition at a press conference.

You can watch it here:

Anne Arundel County Public Schools held a school board meeting Wednesday, but they did not be voting on Schlegel’s employment status.

Schelgel’s attorney released the following statement:

I am deeply concerned about the ongoing efforts to damage Mr. Schlegel’s reputation and livelihood. After investigations by multiple state agencies and a full public trial, he was acquitted of all charges. That verdict is not just a legal technicality—it is a formal recognition that the allegations against him are not supported by credible evidence. Despite this, certain individuals continue to publicly repeat these false claims, now attempting to pressure the school system into terminating his employment. Trying to destroy someone’s livelihood based on false allegations and the personal opinions of the uninformed is not justice—it’s mob rule. Let me be clear: making and repeating knowingly false and damaging statements about someone who has been exonerated in a court of law is unethical and defamatory. Mr. Schlegel has the right to rebuild his life and career without being subjected to a campaign of misinformation and harassment. I urge everyone to respect the judicial outcome, cease the spread of falsehoods, and consider the harm being done—not only to him, but to the integrity of our community. We cannot allow fear, rumor, or the personal agendas of a select few to replace the rule of law.