Parents are outraged after a Bronx gym teacher was accused of a lewd act in front of students, raising serious concerns about safety.

Dana Barschdorf, 44, faces two counts of attempted lewdness. Reports say he allegedly inserted his genitalia into a Lysol container. One parent mentioned that the gym teacher “never looked right.”
Ana Rodriguez, whose son is in the class, shared her concerns. She said, “I was always a little skeptical about him.” She described Barschdorf as looking “weird.”
The incident reportedly took place at PS 723, a school for autistic elementary students. Rodriguez expressed her anger and worry, especially since many kids, including her son, can’t communicate what happens at school due to their disabilities.
She said, “This is what worries me the most — my son not being able to communicate things like this.” Other parents shared similar fears, feeling scared and outraged after learning about the allegations.
Barschdorf was arrested inside the school around 8:45 a.m. One parent was upset that school officials hadn’t informed her about the arrest, saying, “It scares me a lot.”
Rodriguez was shocked and angry, especially since the district hadn’t communicated the situation. The city’s Department of Education has reassigned Barschdorf while they investigate.
An agency spokesperson stated, “This alleged behavior is completely unacceptable.” Other staff members had reported Barschdorf to the authorities.
He was earning nearly $100,000 a year, according to public records, and had not yet been arraigned as of Wednesday night.