Image Credit: MNPD & Canva
A Nashville teacher was arrested after being accused of inappropriate sexual contact with a student.
36-year-old Michael Ligon of Clarksville was arrested Thursday on charges of sexual battery against a student.
Ligon was placed on paid administrative leave from STEM Preparatory Academy back in April after the initial allegation that he kissed and fondled a 13-year-old female student. According to reports, this had been ongoing since October 2023.
An investigation resulted in reports of similar behavior from other students.
While on leave, Ligon was hired by KIPP Academy in July. According to a statement from Kipp Academy officials, a background check done on Ligon prior to his hiring and came back clean.
“Dr. Ligon was hired as a 9th grade English teacher at KIPP Nashville Collegiate High School this year. As with all prospective employees, we conducted a comprehensive background check on Dr. Ligon prior to his employment with us. Our background check process follows state requirements and includes fingerprinting and a criminal history check through the TBI and FBI. Nothing appeared on his record regarding this matter or that otherwise would have precluded his hiring. Moreover, nothing regarding this pending investigation or unresolved misconduct complaint was attached to his teacher license.”
After Ligon’s arrest on Thursday, KIPP opted to fire him.
“Shortly after the arrest, we made the decision to terminate Mr. Ligon from his position. While we believe in Mr. Ligon’s constitutional right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty, we have an obligation to our students and other staff to only employ educators whose presence will support our commitment to providing a safe and trusted environment.”
Ligon is being held in the Downtown Detention Center on a $75,000 bail. Police say they are expecting that more charges will come in this case.
