A Chemistry teacher and Dean of Students at the Nathaniel Varney Massaquoi High School, Julius Sevelee, commonly known as “Chemical J”—l, is at the center of a growing scandal after being accused of engaging in a sexual relationship with a female student, reportedly resulting in her pregnancy.
By Edwin N. Khakie
Gbarnga, Bong County, July 25, 2025: The incident came to public attention following a formal complaint lodged by the student’s father with the Bong County Detachment of the Liberia National Police (LNP). The case has since triggered an official investigation by both law enforcement and education authorities.
According to reports, the District Education Officer (DEO) of the Gbarnga School District, Mr. P. Kohnkahn Cole, has summoned Mr. Sevelee to respond to the allegations. The meeting is scheduled for 10:00 AM on Thursday, July 24, 2025, and is expected to be a key step in determining the next course of action.
The alleged conduct, if substantiated, would constitute a direct violation of the 2014 Code of Conduct for Teachers and School Administrators in Liberia, specifically Section 4.2.1, which strictly prohibits sexual or romantic relationships between educators and students, regardless of age or consent. The policy is designed to uphold the professional and moral integrity of school environments and ensure the protection of students.
Community members, student advocates, and parents have expressed outrage over the incident, calling for a swift and impartial investigation, as well as disciplinary action if the allegations prove to be true.
In an interview, Mr. Sevelee denied any wrongdoing, labeling the accusations as false, misleading, and politically motivated, claiming he is being targeted due to his affiliation with Bong County District #2 Representative, Hon. James Kolleh.
He further revealed that he was contacted by the police on July 16, 2025, to respond to the initial complaint, which included allegations of rape. However, he claims that those rape allegations were later dropped after a preliminary police investigation.
Mr. Sevelee acknowledged that he subsequently received a query from the school administration regarding the student’s pregnancy. During a meeting with the principal and other school authorities, he reportedly admitted he could be responsible for the pregnancy, citing the police clearance as the basis of his confidence to speak openly.
“I told the principal that what the police say on the clearance is what I will say,” he noted, maintaining that his statement was made in good faith and in the belief that he had already been exonerated of any criminal wrongdoing.
Despite these assertions, unverified reports have surfaced alleging that attempts were made to offer financial inducements to the student’s family to drop the matter. These claims remain under investigation and have further fueled public concerns regarding potential interference and the politicization of the process.
The Ministry of Education, through the District Education Office, has reiterated its commitment to maintaining professional standards and student safety within all academic institutions. An official from the office, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that the ministry “takes the matter seriously and will ensure due process is followed.”
As investigations continue, the case has reignited national conversations about the ethical responsibilities of educators and the vulnerabilities students face in the classroom. Many are urging the Ministry of Education and law enforcement to act decisively to ensure accountability, justice for the alleged victim, and the protection of other students.
Stakeholders await the outcome of the pending meeting with the District Education Office, which could determine disciplinary action against the teacher, including suspension or termination, depending on the investigation’s findings.
Meanwhile, civil society groups and children’s rights advocates have called for broader reforms in school oversight and stricter enforcement of teacher conduct regulations. -Edited by Othello B. Garblah.
