Family of Transgender Student Sues Bergen County School Board Over Alleged Harassment and Discrimination
Demarest, NJ – A Bergen County family has filed a lawsuit against the Demarest Board of Education, claiming the school failed to protect their transgender daughter from years of bullying and discrimination. The lawsuit, lodged in Superior Court on January 31, alleges systemic harassment that the student faced since transitioning from male to female in first grade.
According to the lawsuit, the girl was subjected to derogatory names like “freak” on social media and bullied by peers, both online and in person, with instances including being pushed in hallways and isolated during lunch. Despite numerous reports to school officials, the family asserts that the administration failed to take appropriate action to address the bullying.
The family’s attorney, Ian M. Bryson, emphasized the need for protective measures for all students, stating, “Our priority is ensuring that all students, regardless of gender identity, are protected from harassment and discrimination.” Meanwhile, an attorney for the school board, Matthew J. Giacobbe, denied these allegations, asserting that the district takes such claims seriously and complies with New Jersey law in investigating bullying incidents.
Since her initial enrollment as a female student in September 2016, the plaintiff has struggled with the emotional toll of bullying, leading to mental health issues that required medical treatment. The lawsuit outlines repeated incidents of harassment, including a recent Christmas concert where she was mocked.
Seeking punitive damages, the lawsuit highlights a culture of intimidation against LGBTQ+ students in the district, with claims that the administration often penalizes the victims rather than the perpetrators. As the case unfolds, it raises critical questions about the treatment of marginalized students within educational institutions.
For further information, please reach out to Brianna Kudisch at bkudisch@njadvancemedia.com.
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