Holding New Jersey School Districts Accountable
Through legislation and court decisions, New Jersey has sent a strong message to schools that they can be held liable for failing to protect students against harassment or discrimination based on prohibited factors such as perceived sexual orientation or race.
At Zatuchni & Associates, we advise and take action on behalf of students who have been harmed by a school district's failure to take action to protect them from harassment or discrimination by other students. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help. With offices in New Jersey and central New Jersey, we serve clients throughout the state in these cases.
New Jersey Law Against Discrimination
New Jersey has long had a strong law against discrimination. In 2007, the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled in a school harassment case brought under the Law Against Discrimination. The court held that a school district could be held liable for failing to protect a student from harassment by other students because of perceived sexual orientation.
The court's reasoning applies to other protected classifications as well, such as race. If the school knew or had reason to know of unlawful discrimination or harassment, the student who has been subject to this treatment can sue the school district.
Discrimination and harassment can take many forms, but are never pretty. It might be outright bullying or other forms of physical or mental abuse. What you need to know is, the law says your child doesn't have to tolerate an unlawful hostile educational environment in school.
If your child has suffered discrimination or harassment at school, talk to an experienced attorney at our firm in order to understand your legal options. We can examine the facts of the case and discuss how to hold the school district accountable under the law.
