Bergen Community College Professor Suspended For Changing Granddaughter's Grades
PARAMUS, N.J. (CBSNewYork / AP) - Trustees have suspended a New Jersey college professor without pay amid allegations he enlisted others to tamper with his granddaughter's grades.
WCBS 880's Peter Haskell On The Story
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Peter Helff teaches math and is president of the faculty union at Bergen Community College.
His suspension came after a five-month investigation in which a former Superior Court judge interviewed 27 people.
The college board's personnel committee chief said it's apparent there was a "flagrant violation'' of policies and procedures for the benefit of Helff's granddaughter.
"[He] affected the integrity of the grading process and has acted contrary to the best interests and policies of the college," school attorney John Schetise told WCBS 880 reporter Peter Haskell.
Helff's attorney, Robert Fagella, said his client has been targeted because he is a union leader.
Schetise insisted the action was not personal. "This action has been brought because Peter Helff stepped over the fine line," he said.
Fagella added that he hasn't been given the school's report. So, he can't comment on the specific charges.
The professor is paid more than $133,000 and has been at the school for 42 years.
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