Stanley F., an employee of the New York City Department of Education, was fined $1,500 after an administrative judge found that Stanley violated Department regulations when he engaged banter with his underage students. [Stanley was alleged to have uttered things like, "hey, baby," "how you doing, baby?" and "you good baby."]
On review, both the New York County Supreme Court and the Appellate Division, First Department, were of the view that the outcome was supported by "adequate evidence" and deferred to the hearing officer's credibility assessments.
The $1500 penalty--which was to be deducted from Stanley's paychecks over a twelve month period--wasn't seen as "excessive or disproportionate" nor "shocking" to the courts' "sense of fairness."
That's not good baby.
To view a copy of the Appellate Division's decision, please use this link: Matter of F. v. New York City Board/Dept. of Educ.