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Teacher Put On Leave For Alleged Facebook Post Condoning Student-Teacher Sex

WEST COVINA (CBSLA.com) — An art teacher at South Hills High School is the latest of five employees to be investigated by the Covina-Valley Unified School District after sexual comments he reportedly posted on social media.

Sean Patrick Kane wrote the profanity-laden comments on his Facebook page in relation to the arrests of two female colleagues who are accused of having sex with male students.

Teachers Melody Lippert and Michelle Ghirelli were arrested over the weekend. The women allegedly had sex with two students, ages 17 and 18, during non-school sponsored beach camping trips late last year.

melody lippert and michelle ghirelli
Melody Lippert and Michelle Ghirelli (credit: OCSD)

Lippert was arrested for conspiracy and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Ghirelli was booked for oral copulation and unlawful sex with a minor. They have been placed on administrative leave.

Kane's comments allegedly condone teachers having sex with students.

He wrote that the boys should have kept their "...stupid mouths shut and enjoyed it."

Kane, a teacher in the district since 2001, has been placed on administrative. District officials say they don't believe his Facebook account was hacked.

"It is under investigation, but it does appear this is his Facebook post," spokesperson Michelle Van Der Liden said.

Some Kane's students are coming to his defense.

"He's a genuine guy who talks passionately about whatever he wants to talk about," said Stacy Martinez.

The CVUSD is also looking at wrestling coach Anthony Vidales who was arrested on suspicion of inappropriate conduct with a 17-year-old student.

Anthony Vidales mugshot
Anthony Vidales (credit: West Covina PD)

Earlier this week, a former student filed a lawsuit against art teacher Scott Straygur alleging that he was attacked while in class in March 2014.

The teacher, who was reprimanded and is now back at work, reportedly pulled the student's hair and shook his head and neck violently during the confrontation.

"You're just at a loss for words… just fix it," said parent Deborah Ikpa.

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