A second-grade teacher at Markham Elementary school in Oakland has been placed on leave because of reports that two students engaged in oral sex while in his classroom. KTLA reports that in addition to the alleged oral sex, there was another incident in which some students were taking off their clothes.

To address the issue, Markham Elementary principal Pam Booker sent a letter (PDF) home to families apologizing for the alleged incidents and offering counseling to any children that need it. She says, "...I apologize for this and assure you that we are collaborating with counselors and parents to provide support to those involved, address any concerns and take whatever actions are necessary to ensure that a similar act does not occur again." She also addressed parents' outrage: "...we pride ourselves in providing a safe learning environment for all of our children and the events as reported represent an unacceptable lack of supervision. I understand that there is great anger over this news."

The Oakland Tribune quotes Oakland school district spokesman Troy Flint, who maintains that the teacher was present during both incidents but unaware of what was going on.