Case of Eugene Loub Aronin, Ph.D.
(AKA: Gene Aronin, Eugene Aronin, Shiya Aronin)
(1970's) School Counselor, Magnolia Middle School - Joppatown, MD
(1981 - 1983) School Counselor, Hillsdale Elementary School - Aberdeen, TX
(1981 - 1983) Assistant Professor in Education at Texas Tech University - Lubbock, TX
(1990 - 1992) - Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago, IL
(2000 - 2003) - National Lewis University/National College of Education - Evanston, IL
(1984 - 2007) - West Rogers Park / Chicago, IL
Prospect Heights, IL
Wheeling, IL
(1984 - 2007) Palatine, IL
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Eugene Loub Aronin, was born in 1941. He is a convicted sex offender who is currently not on listed on the National Sex Offender Registry. He is also an orthodox Jew who studies unsupervised at a local Kollel in West Rogers Park (Chicago, IL), where children are present.
In the past, prior to moving to Texas, Dr. Eugene Aronin had worked as a counselor at the Magnolia Middle School in Joppatowne, Maryland. According to published newspaper reports there, and letters from mothers provided to the Lubbock, Texas Rape Crisis Center, Dr. Aronin had allegedly sexually molested several young boys in that community prior to moving to Texas.
On February 16, 1983, while employed at Texas Tech University, in Lubbock, Tx. Dr. Aronin was indicted in five counts. The first count alleged deviate sexual intercourse (sodomy) with a boy under the age of 17 with intent to arouse and gratify his own sexual desires.
On July 30, 1984, after waiving a jury trial, Dr. Aronin was found guilty of the offense of aggravated sexual abuse committed on August 19, 1982, and indecency with a child, committed on August 20, 1982 and August 21, 1982, second degree felonies. Dr. Aronin was placed on probation for a period of ten years.
In January 1984, Dr. Aronin's sentence was modified to allow him to reside in Cook County, Illinois.
In November, 1991, allegedly molested the son of one of his students at Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU), Chicago, IL.The student went to see Dr. Aronin about some course-related business and happened to have her son with her. Dr. Aronin invited the boy to stay in an NEIU computer lab to play educational games on the computer while his mother went to the library to meet with other students about a group project. The student further said that Dr. Aronin had suggested that her son work as a child tester for educational programs that Dr. Aronin was developing. The student felt that this was a great opportunity for her son and, therefore, left him in the computer lab with Dr. Aronin.
About one week after the events described above, the student returned to the NEIU computer lab with her son. The student sat in a more remote area of the computer lab reading while her son worked with Dr. Aronin. The student observed Dr. Aronin reach around her son from behind, tickle his stomach, and then place his hands on her son's "privates." This event happened at least three times according to the mother's observation. Later, after taking her son away from the computer lab, the mother questioned her son and learned that he had been similarly touched by Dr. Aronin on previous occasion mentioned above.
In late September 1992, the Palatine, Illinois Police Department contacted NEIU's University Police to inquire about Dr. Aronin. The Palatine Police Department had received an anonymous letter asserting that Dr. Aronin was a child molester. Upon looking into this matter, the University learned that Dr. Aronin had previously been employed between 1981 and 1983 as an Assistant Professor in Education at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas.
According to a Northeastern Illinois report, Dr. Aronin had used several children as "testers" for his educational computer games. In addition, Dr. Aronin traveled to various public elementary schools in the Chicago area to supervise student teachers at those scho
Up until 2002, Dr. Gene Aronin was employed as an Adj. Professor at National Lewis University (National College of Education) located in Evanston, Illinois. He is currently is on the International Board of Editors of the Journal of Information Technology Education (As of April 27, 2007).
The Awareness Center has been told that Eugene Aronin continues to seek out families that will trust him with children and is currently looking for tutorial positions.
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Disclaimer: Inclusion in this website does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement. Individuals must decide for themselves if the resources meet their own personal needs.
Table of Contents:
1976
Table of Contents:
1976
- Book by Dr. Eugene L. Aronin (1976)
1984
- Aronin, Former school counselor, is sentenced (05/09/1984)
- The State of Texas Vs. Eugene Loub Aronin (05/01/1984)
1992
- Members of the Board of Governors of State Colleges and Universities (12/1992)
2003
- Gene Aronin's web page (04/21/2003)
2004
- Informing Science and Informaiton Technology Joint Conference / Program Committee - Rockhamton, QLD, Australia (06/25-28/2004)
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Book by Dr. Eugene L. Aronin
Activities for career development in early childhood curriculum
By Thomas Daniels Yawkey and Eugene L. Aronin
Publisher: Columbus, Ohio : Merrill, c1976.
Activities for career development in early childhood curriculum
By Thomas Daniels Yawkey and Eugene L. Aronin
Publisher: Columbus, Ohio : Merrill, c1976.
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Aronin, Former school counselor, is sentenced
The Record (Texas) - May 9, 1984
Eugene Loub Aronin, the former Hartford County school counselor who was convicted in May of having sexually assaulted a 10-year-old boy, was given a 10-year suspended sentence on July 30 in Lubbock, Texas.
Presiding Judge Thomas Clinton placed Aronin, who nows lives in Illinois, on 10 year supervised probation and ordered him to undergo psychiatric counseling.
Aronin, once a guidance counselor at both the Magnolia Middle School in Joppa and the Hillsdale Elementary School in Aberdeen, was indicted last February on two counts of indecency with a child and one count of sexually abusing a child, according to Lubbock District Attorney Gene Walters.
Aronin, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, was convicted on May 2, after a two-day trial.
The victim of the sexual assault was a friend of one of Aronin's sons, Walters said.
Aronin worked in the Hartford County school system from September 1971 until he resigned Feb. 20, 1981. He was at Hillsdale from 1971 until he moved to the Magnolia Middle School in 1978.
Hartford County School officials have declined to comment on why he resigned, although Walters said Aronin is still under investigation by the Hartford County Sheriff's Department.
Sheriff's Dept. Sgt. William P. Van Horn Confirmed that an investigation is being conducted, but would not disclose any of the details.
According to Walters, the charges in Texas stemmed from a series of incidents which occurred on Aug. 21, 1982, when the child was spending the weekend at the Aronin's house.
While the child was in Aronin's house, the district attorney said, Aronin fondled the boy through his clothing.
The other charges resulted from an event which took place in a restroom in a park the same day.
While in the bathroom, Aronin fondled the 10-year-old before committing an act of sodomy.
Walters said Aronin admitted to the fondling charges while on the witness stand testifying on his own behalf, but denied the sexual abuse charges.
During the trial, Lubbock psychiatrist Dr. Ray Brown testified, that in his opinion Aronin could be rehabilitated through psychiatric therapy.
However, Dr. Matt Strichertz, the victim's psychiatrist, testified that the young boy has suffered serious emotional problems because of the assault.
The victim's medical doctor Robert Ordonez, said the victim's parents had brought the boy to see him before they were aware of the assault because he had complained of severe abdominal cramps.
Dr. Ordonez told the boy's parents the pains were psychologically induced but was unable to determine a specific cause.
According to the district attorney, the boy told no one about the assault until November, 1982. Walters said the boy and his mother were passing Aronin's house in their car when the boy reportedly said, "The man who lives there is a nasty person-and he's gay."
The mother questioned her son closely and eventually filed a complaint against Aronin, who at the time was a counselor at Texas Tech University.
Dr. Strichertz testified the boy displayed many other emotional symptoms often linked to sexual assault: nightmares, fits of anger, and over protectiveness of siblings and plummeting grades.
According to Walters, the presentancing report ordered after the trail by Judge Clinton, required investigation into Aronin's activities in at least two other states--Maryland and Wisconsin.
Aronin, who had no previous felony record, could have been sentenced to life in prison for the conviction, Walter said.
The Record (Texas) - May 9, 1984
Eugene Loub Aronin, the former Hartford County school counselor who was convicted in May of having sexually assaulted a 10-year-old boy, was given a 10-year suspended sentence on July 30 in Lubbock, Texas.
Presiding Judge Thomas Clinton placed Aronin, who nows lives in Illinois, on 10 year supervised probation and ordered him to undergo psychiatric counseling.
Aronin, once a guidance counselor at both the Magnolia Middle School in Joppa and the Hillsdale Elementary School in Aberdeen, was indicted last February on two counts of indecency with a child and one count of sexually abusing a child, according to Lubbock District Attorney Gene Walters.
Aronin, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, was convicted on May 2, after a two-day trial.
The victim of the sexual assault was a friend of one of Aronin's sons, Walters said.
Aronin worked in the Hartford County school system from September 1971 until he resigned Feb. 20, 1981. He was at Hillsdale from 1971 until he moved to the Magnolia Middle School in 1978.
Hartford County School officials have declined to comment on why he resigned, although Walters said Aronin is still under investigation by the Hartford County Sheriff's Department.
Sheriff's Dept. Sgt. William P. Van Horn Confirmed that an investigation is being conducted, but would not disclose any of the details.
According to Walters, the charges in Texas stemmed from a series of incidents which occurred on Aug. 21, 1982, when the child was spending the weekend at the Aronin's house.
While the child was in Aronin's house, the district attorney said, Aronin fondled the boy through his clothing.
The other charges resulted from an event which took place in a restroom in a park the same day.
While in the bathroom, Aronin fondled the 10-year-old before committing an act of sodomy.
Walters said Aronin admitted to the fondling charges while on the witness stand testifying on his own behalf, but denied the sexual abuse charges.
During the trial, Lubbock psychiatrist Dr. Ray Brown testified, that in his opinion Aronin could be rehabilitated through psychiatric therapy.
However, Dr. Matt Strichertz, the victim's psychiatrist, testified that the young boy has suffered serious emotional problems because of the assault.
The victim's medical doctor Robert Ordonez, said the victim's parents had brought the boy to see him before they were aware of the assault because he had complained of severe abdominal cramps.
Dr. Ordonez told the boy's parents the pains were psychologically induced but was unable to determine a specific cause.
According to the district attorney, the boy told no one about the assault until November, 1982. Walters said the boy and his mother were passing Aronin's house in their car when the boy reportedly said, "The man who lives there is a nasty person-and he's gay."
The mother questioned her son closely and eventually filed a complaint against Aronin, who at the time was a counselor at Texas Tech University.
Dr. Strichertz testified the boy displayed many other emotional symptoms often linked to sexual assault: nightmares, fits of anger, and over protectiveness of siblings and plummeting grades.
According to Walters, the presentancing report ordered after the trail by Judge Clinton, required investigation into Aronin's activities in at least two other states--Maryland and Wisconsin.
Aronin, who had no previous felony record, could have been sentenced to life in prison for the conviction, Walter said.
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No. 83-D072-CR-400,234
The State of Texas Vs. Eugene Loub Aronin
In the 72nd District Court Of Lubbock County, Texas
On the 1st day of May, A.D. 1984, this cause was called for trial, and the State appeared by her Assistant Criminal District Attorney, Gene Walters, and the Defendant, Eugene Loub Aronin, Appeared in person, in open Court, his counsel, Alton Griffin (employed), also being present.
And the said Defendant, Eugene Loub Aronin, having been duly arraigned in open Court, and having pleaded not guilty to the charge contained in the Indictment herein, Both parties announced ready for trail; and the Defendant, Eugene Loub Aronin, pleaded not guilty to the Indictment and after the State had presented its evidence, the Defendant, his counsel and the Assistant Criminal District Attorney announced in open court that they, and each of them agreed to withdraw this cause from the jury and waive the jury and submit this cause to the court, and the court having consented to the waiver of the jury herein, and the court after having heard the Indictment read, and the Defendant's plea thereto, and all the evidence adduced by the State and the Defendant and after hearing argument of counsel, is of the opinion and so finds, that the Defendant is guilty of the offense of Aggravated Sexual Abuse, a first -degree felony, committed on August 19, 1982; Indecency with a Child, a second-degree felony, committed on August 20, 1982 and Indecency with a child, a second-degree felony, committed on August 21, 1982 as charged in the Indictment.
IT IS THEREFORE CONSIDERED, ORDERED AND ADJUDGED BY THE Court that the Defendant EUGENE LOUB ARONIN is guilty of the offense of Aggravated Sexual Abuse, a first-degree felony, committed on August 19, 1982; Indecency with a Child, a second-degree felony, committed on August 20, 1982 and Indecency with a Child, a second-degree felony, committed on August 21, 1982 as found by the court; and that he be punished by confinement in the Texas State Penitentiary for a term of TEN (10) year(s) and that the State of Texas do have and recover of the said Defendant EUGENE LOUB ARONIN all costs in this prosecution expended for which execution will issue.
And it appearing from the proof and the findings of the Court that the Defendant has not before been convicted of a felony in this State or another State, it is ordered and adjudged by the Court that the imposition of Sentence of the Judgment of conviction in this cause be suspended and the Defendant, EUGENE LOUB ARONIN, is hereby placed on Probation for a period of TEN (10) year(s) under the terms and conditions of the Adult Probation and Parole law of the State of Texas, as amended, upon the following terms and conditions of Probation:
(a) Commit no offense against the laws of this or any other State or the United States;
(b) Avoid injurious or vicious habits;
(c) Avoid persons or places of disreputable or harmful character;
(d) Report to the Probation Officer as directed. Defendant is paroled to Thomas E. Wizoreck, Adult Probation Officer, or his successor in office; Defendant shall report this day in person, and thereafter as directed by the Probation Officer but at least once every month, in writing, on or before the 5th day of each month hereafter, and each of said days ordered to report is a separate condition of this probation;
(e) Permit the Probation Officer to visit him at his home or elsewhere;
(f) Work faithfully at suitable employment as far as possible;
(g) Remain within Cook County, Illinois or Lubbock County, Texas unless the Court consents to a change of residence;
(h) Support all his dependents;
(i) Report any change of address to the Probation Office of Lubbock county, Texas, in writing within twenty-four (24) hours;
(j) Memorize the terms and conditions of this probation;
(k) Pay Court Cost to the Adult Probation Officer of Lubbock County, Texas, or his successor in the office, the sum of $76.00 in two (2) monthly installments of $38.00 each with each monthly installment being due on the 5th day of each month beginning on or before August 5, 1984 and continuing through September 5, 1984; the payment of each installment ordered is a separate condition of this probation;
(l) Pay $15.00 per month as Adult Probation fee to the Adult Probation Officer, Lubbock County, Texas commencing on August 5, 1984 and on the 5th day of each month thereafter during the term of this probation; the payment of each installment ordered is a separate condition of this probation;
(m) Pay Restitution to the Adult Probation Officer of Lubbock County, Texas, the sum of $ 0.00 in monthly installments of each with each monthly installments of each monthly installment being due on or before the 5th day of each month beginning on before the continuing through the payment of each installment ordered is a separate condition of this probation;
(n) The Defendant will report to the Adult Probation Office of Lubbock County, Texas at 8:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Monday through Friday when not gainfully employed;
(o) The Defendant will voluntarily seek and receive psychological counseling and treatment while on probation with copies of psychological reports to be sent to the Adult Probation Officer of Lubbock county, Texas.
Signed and Entered this 10 day of January, A.D. 1985.
(stamped 55-228)
The State of Texas Vs. Eugene Loub Aronin
In the 72nd District Court Of Lubbock County, Texas
On the 1st day of May, A.D. 1984, this cause was called for trial, and the State appeared by her Assistant Criminal District Attorney, Gene Walters, and the Defendant, Eugene Loub Aronin, Appeared in person, in open Court, his counsel, Alton Griffin (employed), also being present.
And the said Defendant, Eugene Loub Aronin, having been duly arraigned in open Court, and having pleaded not guilty to the charge contained in the Indictment herein, Both parties announced ready for trail; and the Defendant, Eugene Loub Aronin, pleaded not guilty to the Indictment and after the State had presented its evidence, the Defendant, his counsel and the Assistant Criminal District Attorney announced in open court that they, and each of them agreed to withdraw this cause from the jury and waive the jury and submit this cause to the court, and the court having consented to the waiver of the jury herein, and the court after having heard the Indictment read, and the Defendant's plea thereto, and all the evidence adduced by the State and the Defendant and after hearing argument of counsel, is of the opinion and so finds, that the Defendant is guilty of the offense of Aggravated Sexual Abuse, a first -degree felony, committed on August 19, 1982; Indecency with a Child, a second-degree felony, committed on August 20, 1982 and Indecency with a child, a second-degree felony, committed on August 21, 1982 as charged in the Indictment.
IT IS THEREFORE CONSIDERED, ORDERED AND ADJUDGED BY THE Court that the Defendant EUGENE LOUB ARONIN is guilty of the offense of Aggravated Sexual Abuse, a first-degree felony, committed on August 19, 1982; Indecency with a Child, a second-degree felony, committed on August 20, 1982 and Indecency with a Child, a second-degree felony, committed on August 21, 1982 as found by the court; and that he be punished by confinement in the Texas State Penitentiary for a term of TEN (10) year(s) and that the State of Texas do have and recover of the said Defendant EUGENE LOUB ARONIN all costs in this prosecution expended for which execution will issue.
And it appearing from the proof and the findings of the Court that the Defendant has not before been convicted of a felony in this State or another State, it is ordered and adjudged by the Court that the imposition of Sentence of the Judgment of conviction in this cause be suspended and the Defendant, EUGENE LOUB ARONIN, is hereby placed on Probation for a period of TEN (10) year(s) under the terms and conditions of the Adult Probation and Parole law of the State of Texas, as amended, upon the following terms and conditions of Probation:
(a) Commit no offense against the laws of this or any other State or the United States;
(b) Avoid injurious or vicious habits;
(c) Avoid persons or places of disreputable or harmful character;
(d) Report to the Probation Officer as directed. Defendant is paroled to Thomas E. Wizoreck, Adult Probation Officer, or his successor in office; Defendant shall report this day in person, and thereafter as directed by the Probation Officer but at least once every month, in writing, on or before the 5th day of each month hereafter, and each of said days ordered to report is a separate condition of this probation;
(e) Permit the Probation Officer to visit him at his home or elsewhere;
(f) Work faithfully at suitable employment as far as possible;
(g) Remain within Cook County, Illinois or Lubbock County, Texas unless the Court consents to a change of residence;
(h) Support all his dependents;
(i) Report any change of address to the Probation Office of Lubbock county, Texas, in writing within twenty-four (24) hours;
(j) Memorize the terms and conditions of this probation;
(k) Pay Court Cost to the Adult Probation Officer of Lubbock County, Texas, or his successor in the office, the sum of $76.00 in two (2) monthly installments of $38.00 each with each monthly installment being due on the 5th day of each month beginning on or before August 5, 1984 and continuing through September 5, 1984; the payment of each installment ordered is a separate condition of this probation;
(l) Pay $15.00 per month as Adult Probation fee to the Adult Probation Officer, Lubbock County, Texas commencing on August 5, 1984 and on the 5th day of each month thereafter during the term of this probation; the payment of each installment ordered is a separate condition of this probation;
(m) Pay Restitution to the Adult Probation Officer of Lubbock County, Texas, the sum of $ 0.00 in monthly installments of each with each monthly installments of each monthly installment being due on or before the 5th day of each month beginning on before the continuing through the payment of each installment ordered is a separate condition of this probation;
(n) The Defendant will report to the Adult Probation Office of Lubbock County, Texas at 8:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Monday through Friday when not gainfully employed;
(o) The Defendant will voluntarily seek and receive psychological counseling and treatment while on probation with copies of psychological reports to be sent to the Adult Probation Officer of Lubbock county, Texas.
Signed and Entered this 10 day of January, A.D. 1985.
(stamped 55-228)
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Members of the Board of Governors of State Colleges and Universities
Northeastern Illinois University
Northeastern Illinois University
December, 1992
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TO: Members of the Board of Governors of State Colleges and Universities
FROM: Gordon H. Lamb, President, Northeaster, Illinois University
RE: Termination of Dr. Eugene L. Aronin for Adequate Cause
Dr, Eugene Aronin was originally hired at Northeastern Illinois University on August 27, 1990 as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. Prior to being hired, Dr. Aronin submitted a curriculum vitae to NEIU. See Exhibit 1. On page 2 of his curriculum vitae, Dr. Aronin listed his "past teaching experience" in reverse chronological order. After Dr. Aronin was selected for the position, he completed an employment questionnaire dated May 20, 1990. See Exhibit 2. Dr. Aronin Signed Exhibit 2 on June 7, 1990 with the following certification: "I certify that the foregoing statement and the application contains the following admonition:
Indicate in full your experience, listing the items in each section in chronological order. Leave no gaps except for summer months in your record of teaching, research, professional, business, trade, or governmental experience. Start with first employment after college.
Thereafter, space is provided to provide the required information concerning "teaching and educational, supervisory, or administrative experience" prior to the date of the application.
Question 9 on Exhibit 2 asks whether the preparer has "ever been removed or dismissed from any position:" Dr. Aronin answered "no." After he was hired, Dr. Aronin received favorable recommendations for retention for the first and second years of his probationary employment at NEIU.
In early 1992, a student at NEIU spoke to NEIU's Affirmation action Officer concerning Dr. Aronin. The student alleged that she had observed Dr. Aronin improperly touching her son, age 11. The NEIU student was enrolled in two of Dr. Aronin's classes the previous semester. She received grads of "A" in both courses. The student was an elementary education major. According to the student, about Thanksgiving 1991, she went to see Dr. Aronin about some course-related business and happened to have her son with her. Dr. Aronin invited the boy to stay in an NEIU computer lab to play educational games on the computer while his mother went to the library to meet with other students about a group project. The student further said that Dr. Aronin had suggested that her son work as a child tester for educational programs that Dr. Aronin was developing. The student felt that this was a great opportunity for her son and, therefore, left him in the computer lab with Dr. Aronin.
About one week after the events described above, the student returned to the NEIU computer lab with her son. The student sat in a more remote area of the computer lab reading while her son worked with Dr. Aronin. The student observed Dr. Aronin reach around her son from behind, tickle his stomach, and then place his hands on her son's "privates." This event happened at least three times according to the mother's observation. Later, after taking her son away from the computer lab, the mother questioned her son and learned that he had been similarly touched by Dr. Aronin on previous occasion mentioned above. After this incident was reported, NEIU consulted legal counsel. AFter first obtaining advice, NEIU's Acting Affirmation Action Officer wrote to our student. See Exhibit 3. NEIU's Provost also met with Dr. Aronin and wrote to him consistent with legal advice we had received. See Exhibit 4.
In late September 1992, the Palatine, Illinois Police Department contacted NEIU's University Police to inquire about Dr. Aronin. The Palatine Police Department had received an anonymous letter asserting that Dr. Aronin was a child molester. Upon looking into this matter, the University learned that Dr. Aronin had previously been employed between 1981 and 1983 as an Assistant Professor in Education at TExas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. A copy of his appointment letter is attached. See Exhibit 5. On February 16, 1983, while employed at Texas Tech University, Dr. Aronin was indicted in five counts. The first count alleged deviate sexual intercourse (sodomy) with a boy under the age of 17 with intent to arouse and gratify his own sexual desires. See Exhibit 6. After his indictment, Dr. Aronin was relieved temporarily of all his duties at Texas Tech University pending an investigation. See Exhibits 7 and 8. On April 27, 1983, Dr. Aronin advised Texas Tech University that he would not make application for renewal of his contract of the academic year 1983-1984. See Exhibit 9. Texas Tech University accepted Dr. Aronin's resignation on May 2, 1983 effective May 31, 1983. See Exhibit 10. Dr. Aronin did not disclose his employment at Texas Tech University on either Exhibit 1 or 2. Moreover, when he completed Exhibit 2, Dr. Aronin did not disclose that he had been removed of his duties by Texas Tech University. Therefore, NEIU did not have the opportunity to inquire about his employment at Texas Tech University. I feel confident that such inquires would have disclosed the fact that Dr. Aronin was a convicted pedophile and that fact would have been material to our employment decision.
On July 30, 1984, after waiving a jury trial, Dr. Aronin was found guilty of the offense of aggravated sexual abuse committed on August 19, 1982, and indecency with a child, committed on August 20, 1982 and August 21, 1982, second degree felonies. See Exhibit 11. Dr. Aronin was placed on probation for a period of ten years and is currently on probation. In January 1984, Dr. Aronin's sentence was modified to allow him to reside in Cook County, Illinois. See Exhibit 12. As mentioned above, neither Dr. Aronin's pre-employment curriculum vitae (Exhibit 1) nor his post-hiring representations disclosed his employment at Texas Tech University or that he was relieved of his position at that University. Dr. Aronin's employment at NEIU places him in contact with minor children in an unsupervised format. Dr. Aronin has used several children as "testers" for his educational computer games. In addition, Dr. Aronin travels to various public elementary schools in the Chicago area to supervise student teachers at those schools. In addition to the foregoing, NEIU has learned that prior to his employment at Texas TEch University, Dr. Aronin had worked as a counselor at the Magnolia Middle School in Joppatowne, Maryland. According to published newspaper reports there, and letters from mothers provided to the Lubbock, Texas Rape Crisis Center, Dr. Aronin had allegedly sexually molested several young boys in that community prior to moving to Texas. See Exhibits 13 and 14.
After NEIU obtained the foregoing information, Provost Steinberg wrote to Dr. Aronin Stating, inter alia:
Your current employment assignment brings you into frequent contact with minor children both on and off our campus. Because of the foregoing, you are hereby notified that you are relieved of your current assignment with pay pending further investigation of the circumstances described above. You are specifically advised that none of your duties for or on behalf of the university may involved contact with minor children until our investigation is concluded.
See Exhibit 15. In addition, Provost Steinberg advised Dr. Aronin that the University was considering initiating termination proceedings under Article 14 of the 1991-1995 Factulty Agreement between the Board and the University Professionals of Illinois. A copy of the termination provisions of the 1991-1995 Agreement are attached to this recommendation. See "Exhibit 16.
Pursuant to Article 14.2.a.(1), Provost Steinberg wrote to Dr. Aronin on October 30, 1992 and offered him the opportunity to meet to discuss remediating and settlement. Such a meeting is required by the 1991-1995 Faculty Agreement. See Exhibit 17.. On November 12, 1992, I received a letter from Dr. Aronin accepting the opportunity for a meeting concerning his proposed termination. See Exhibit 18. In addition , Dr. Aronin pointed out that an investigation of the January 1992 charges had been undertaken by the Illinois DCFS and that the agency had determined the charges to be unfounded and provided a letter from the DCFS to that effect. After discussions with the DCFS, we learned that their investigation had been reopened. It seems that at the time of the DCFS's original determination, it was not aware that Dr.. Aronin was on probation ahd had been previously convicted of similar offenses in Texas. Therefore, DCFS, like this University, was not ware of the important facts concerning Dr. Aronin. Dr. Aronin also submitted a letter from his psychologist expressing his view that mother's recent complaint concerning Dr. Aronin was unfounded. That opinion was based upon the way the events had been described to him by Dr. Aronin.
On November 17, 1992, the meeting required by the 1991-1995 Faculty Agreement was held at NEIU with Dr. Aronin, the Union's NEIU chapter President, another Union representative, NEIU's Provost, and Patricia Rea. On November 19, 1992, the Union delivered a letter proposing "remedial action" to serve as a settlement of the issues raised. See Exhibit 19. On November 19, 1992, Provost Steinberg wrote to Dr. Aronin and the Union Chapter President advising them, pursuant to Article 14.2.a.(3) of the 1991-1995 Agreement, that further meetings to discuss remediating or settlement would not prove production. See Exhibit 20.
On November 20, 1992, I issued a Notice of Intent to Seek Termination and mailed that document by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the Union Chapter President and Dr. Aronin. The return receipts indicated that those documents were received on November 24, 1992. Pursuant to Article 14.2.b.(2) (a) of the 1991-1995 Agreement, Dr. Aronin had fourteen (14) days after service of the foregoing notice to deliver a written request for a formal hearing. Dr. Aronin did not request such a hearing within the time provided. Therefore, pursuant to Article 14.2.b.(7) of the 1991-1995 Agreement, I am obliged to submit my recommendation to the Board for final action.
I thought it might be helpful to add a few comments concerning our student and the circumstances described by her. She is an older student who had returned to school after raising a family. As far as I know, she had no animosity against Dr. Aronin prior to these events. The idea that child molestation might occur in the presence of a parent is discussed in an article by Dr. Gene G. Abel entitled "Precautions Against Child Molester," I have attached a copy of that article for your information. See Exhibit 20. Dr. Able's curriculum vitae is attached. See Exhibit 22. I have attached another article by Dr. Abel which may be of interest to you. See Exhibit 23.
I recommend as follows:
That the Board of Governors of State Colleges and Universities terminate the employment of Dr. Eugene Aronin, effective immediately, for the reasons set forth in paragraphs 1 through 4 of the Notice of Intent to Seek Termination, which was sent to Dr. Aronin on November 20, 1992, in that those reasons set forth Adequate Cause for this termination as defined in the 1991-1995 Faculty Agreement.
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TO: Members of the Board of Governors of State Colleges and Universities
FROM: Gordon H. Lamb, President, Northeaster, Illinois University
RE: Termination of Dr. Eugene L. Aronin for Adequate Cause
Dr, Eugene Aronin was originally hired at Northeastern Illinois University on August 27, 1990 as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. Prior to being hired, Dr. Aronin submitted a curriculum vitae to NEIU. See Exhibit 1. On page 2 of his curriculum vitae, Dr. Aronin listed his "past teaching experience" in reverse chronological order. After Dr. Aronin was selected for the position, he completed an employment questionnaire dated May 20, 1990. See Exhibit 2. Dr. Aronin Signed Exhibit 2 on June 7, 1990 with the following certification: "I certify that the foregoing statement and the application contains the following admonition:
Indicate in full your experience, listing the items in each section in chronological order. Leave no gaps except for summer months in your record of teaching, research, professional, business, trade, or governmental experience. Start with first employment after college.
Thereafter, space is provided to provide the required information concerning "teaching and educational, supervisory, or administrative experience" prior to the date of the application.
Question 9 on Exhibit 2 asks whether the preparer has "ever been removed or dismissed from any position:" Dr. Aronin answered "no." After he was hired, Dr. Aronin received favorable recommendations for retention for the first and second years of his probationary employment at NEIU.
In early 1992, a student at NEIU spoke to NEIU's Affirmation action Officer concerning Dr. Aronin. The student alleged that she had observed Dr. Aronin improperly touching her son, age 11. The NEIU student was enrolled in two of Dr. Aronin's classes the previous semester. She received grads of "A" in both courses. The student was an elementary education major. According to the student, about Thanksgiving 1991, she went to see Dr. Aronin about some course-related business and happened to have her son with her. Dr. Aronin invited the boy to stay in an NEIU computer lab to play educational games on the computer while his mother went to the library to meet with other students about a group project. The student further said that Dr. Aronin had suggested that her son work as a child tester for educational programs that Dr. Aronin was developing. The student felt that this was a great opportunity for her son and, therefore, left him in the computer lab with Dr. Aronin.
About one week after the events described above, the student returned to the NEIU computer lab with her son. The student sat in a more remote area of the computer lab reading while her son worked with Dr. Aronin. The student observed Dr. Aronin reach around her son from behind, tickle his stomach, and then place his hands on her son's "privates." This event happened at least three times according to the mother's observation. Later, after taking her son away from the computer lab, the mother questioned her son and learned that he had been similarly touched by Dr. Aronin on previous occasion mentioned above. After this incident was reported, NEIU consulted legal counsel. AFter first obtaining advice, NEIU's Acting Affirmation Action Officer wrote to our student. See Exhibit 3. NEIU's Provost also met with Dr. Aronin and wrote to him consistent with legal advice we had received. See Exhibit 4.
In late September 1992, the Palatine, Illinois Police Department contacted NEIU's University Police to inquire about Dr. Aronin. The Palatine Police Department had received an anonymous letter asserting that Dr. Aronin was a child molester. Upon looking into this matter, the University learned that Dr. Aronin had previously been employed between 1981 and 1983 as an Assistant Professor in Education at TExas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. A copy of his appointment letter is attached. See Exhibit 5. On February 16, 1983, while employed at Texas Tech University, Dr. Aronin was indicted in five counts. The first count alleged deviate sexual intercourse (sodomy) with a boy under the age of 17 with intent to arouse and gratify his own sexual desires. See Exhibit 6. After his indictment, Dr. Aronin was relieved temporarily of all his duties at Texas Tech University pending an investigation. See Exhibits 7 and 8. On April 27, 1983, Dr. Aronin advised Texas Tech University that he would not make application for renewal of his contract of the academic year 1983-1984. See Exhibit 9. Texas Tech University accepted Dr. Aronin's resignation on May 2, 1983 effective May 31, 1983. See Exhibit 10. Dr. Aronin did not disclose his employment at Texas Tech University on either Exhibit 1 or 2. Moreover, when he completed Exhibit 2, Dr. Aronin did not disclose that he had been removed of his duties by Texas Tech University. Therefore, NEIU did not have the opportunity to inquire about his employment at Texas Tech University. I feel confident that such inquires would have disclosed the fact that Dr. Aronin was a convicted pedophile and that fact would have been material to our employment decision.
On July 30, 1984, after waiving a jury trial, Dr. Aronin was found guilty of the offense of aggravated sexual abuse committed on August 19, 1982, and indecency with a child, committed on August 20, 1982 and August 21, 1982, second degree felonies. See Exhibit 11. Dr. Aronin was placed on probation for a period of ten years and is currently on probation. In January 1984, Dr. Aronin's sentence was modified to allow him to reside in Cook County, Illinois. See Exhibit 12. As mentioned above, neither Dr. Aronin's pre-employment curriculum vitae (Exhibit 1) nor his post-hiring representations disclosed his employment at Texas Tech University or that he was relieved of his position at that University. Dr. Aronin's employment at NEIU places him in contact with minor children in an unsupervised format. Dr. Aronin has used several children as "testers" for his educational computer games. In addition, Dr. Aronin travels to various public elementary schools in the Chicago area to supervise student teachers at those schools. In addition to the foregoing, NEIU has learned that prior to his employment at Texas TEch University, Dr. Aronin had worked as a counselor at the Magnolia Middle School in Joppatowne, Maryland. According to published newspaper reports there, and letters from mothers provided to the Lubbock, Texas Rape Crisis Center, Dr. Aronin had allegedly sexually molested several young boys in that community prior to moving to Texas. See Exhibits 13 and 14.
After NEIU obtained the foregoing information, Provost Steinberg wrote to Dr. Aronin Stating, inter alia:
Your current employment assignment brings you into frequent contact with minor children both on and off our campus. Because of the foregoing, you are hereby notified that you are relieved of your current assignment with pay pending further investigation of the circumstances described above. You are specifically advised that none of your duties for or on behalf of the university may involved contact with minor children until our investigation is concluded.
See Exhibit 15. In addition, Provost Steinberg advised Dr. Aronin that the University was considering initiating termination proceedings under Article 14 of the 1991-1995 Factulty Agreement between the Board and the University Professionals of Illinois. A copy of the termination provisions of the 1991-1995 Agreement are attached to this recommendation. See "Exhibit 16.
Pursuant to Article 14.2.a.(1), Provost Steinberg wrote to Dr. Aronin on October 30, 1992 and offered him the opportunity to meet to discuss remediating and settlement. Such a meeting is required by the 1991-1995 Faculty Agreement. See Exhibit 17.. On November 12, 1992, I received a letter from Dr. Aronin accepting the opportunity for a meeting concerning his proposed termination. See Exhibit 18. In addition , Dr. Aronin pointed out that an investigation of the January 1992 charges had been undertaken by the Illinois DCFS and that the agency had determined the charges to be unfounded and provided a letter from the DCFS to that effect. After discussions with the DCFS, we learned that their investigation had been reopened. It seems that at the time of the DCFS's original determination, it was not aware that Dr.. Aronin was on probation ahd had been previously convicted of similar offenses in Texas. Therefore, DCFS, like this University, was not ware of the important facts concerning Dr. Aronin. Dr. Aronin also submitted a letter from his psychologist expressing his view that mother's recent complaint concerning Dr. Aronin was unfounded. That opinion was based upon the way the events had been described to him by Dr. Aronin.
On November 17, 1992, the meeting required by the 1991-1995 Faculty Agreement was held at NEIU with Dr. Aronin, the Union's NEIU chapter President, another Union representative, NEIU's Provost, and Patricia Rea. On November 19, 1992, the Union delivered a letter proposing "remedial action" to serve as a settlement of the issues raised. See Exhibit 19. On November 19, 1992, Provost Steinberg wrote to Dr. Aronin and the Union Chapter President advising them, pursuant to Article 14.2.a.(3) of the 1991-1995 Agreement, that further meetings to discuss remediating or settlement would not prove production. See Exhibit 20.
On November 20, 1992, I issued a Notice of Intent to Seek Termination and mailed that document by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the Union Chapter President and Dr. Aronin. The return receipts indicated that those documents were received on November 24, 1992. Pursuant to Article 14.2.b.(2) (a) of the 1991-1995 Agreement, Dr. Aronin had fourteen (14) days after service of the foregoing notice to deliver a written request for a formal hearing. Dr. Aronin did not request such a hearing within the time provided. Therefore, pursuant to Article 14.2.b.(7) of the 1991-1995 Agreement, I am obliged to submit my recommendation to the Board for final action.
I thought it might be helpful to add a few comments concerning our student and the circumstances described by her. She is an older student who had returned to school after raising a family. As far as I know, she had no animosity against Dr. Aronin prior to these events. The idea that child molestation might occur in the presence of a parent is discussed in an article by Dr. Gene G. Abel entitled "Precautions Against Child Molester," I have attached a copy of that article for your information. See Exhibit 20. Dr. Able's curriculum vitae is attached. See Exhibit 22. I have attached another article by Dr. Abel which may be of interest to you. See Exhibit 23.
I recommend as follows:
That the Board of Governors of State Colleges and Universities terminate the employment of Dr. Eugene Aronin, effective immediately, for the reasons set forth in paragraphs 1 through 4 of the Notice of Intent to Seek Termination, which was sent to Dr. Aronin on November 20, 1992, in that those reasons set forth Adequate Cause for this termination as defined in the 1991-1995 Faculty Agreement.
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