When the pandemic hit the nation, a variety of changes were put into place, including transitioning to working and learning online through the use of Zoom calls as a new standard practice of communicating. Unfortunately, however, this change also led to some crazy mishaps, as people’s boundaries and expectations were loosened.
Marc Schack, a teacher’s aide at Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) in Gaithersburg, Maryland was caught masturbating on a Zoom call during an 8th grade lesson back on February 22nd. After his story went viral, Schack was put on paid administrative leave.
According to reports, Schack had thought that the online lesson with 8th graders had ended and proceeded to have some alone time – only he had no idea that the virtual call lesson was still going. The video shows Schack gazing at the screen before getting up and turning around to pleasure himself.
School principal Alana Murray sent out an email asking students to take down any content they may have shared and refrain from sharing it with other students. Officer Rick Goodale further confirmed that police are investigating the incident but declined comment beyond that.
Schack told Bethesda Magazine that he received a call from school officials informing him of his status days after the incident occurred however, he also mentioned they said they “misplaced his background check file” which struck fear into his heart about what could come next for him career-wise.
After conferring with the State’s Attorney’s Office it has been determined that there will not be any criminal charges filed against Schack since what happened did not rise to the level of being considered illegal under Maryland law.
In light of this news story though we should all take away something valuable: no matter how normal Zoom calls become make sure you double check if your class/meeting is over before taking care of business.
