A family from Somerset County, New Jersey, has initiated legal action against the Branchburg Township School District, claiming the institution failed to protect their son from ongoing sexual assaults and harassment by another student. The lawsuit, filed in superior court on December 11, 2023, outlines a series of bullying incidents that the seventh grader allegedly faced during the 2023-2024 academic year.
The complaint states that school officials disregarded multiple warnings and violated New Jersey’s anti-bullying laws. It claims that they allowed the accused student to remain in classes with the victim, exacerbating the situation. Named in the lawsuit are former Superintendent Karen Chase, middle school Principal Beth Stanton, and Anti-Bullying Coordinator Jennifer Anderson. Current Interim Superintendent Christine Burton has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the allegations.
The family’s claims detail that the abuse began in November 2023, shortly after their son joined the wrestling team. They allege that a male student on the team sexually assaulted him in the boys’ locker room during after-school practices. The lawsuit asserts that the wrestling coaches and middle school staff failed to supervise the locker room adequately, allowing the alleged assaults to occur on school property.
The complaint outlines a pattern of repeated sexual assaults, which the victim reportedly endured both during the wrestling season and later in school bathrooms. Despite the victim’s family’s attempts to alert school officials, including an email to the vice principal about a physical assault on May 5, 2024, the situation did not improve. The family contends that the school district failed to initiate a Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) investigation, nor did they inform the family of their right to file a HIB complaint.
The lawsuit seeks damages from the school district, including coverage for interest, court costs, and attorney’s fees. The family, who chose to remain anonymous, hopes to hold the school accountable for what they describe as a failure to protect their son from ongoing abuse.
As this case unfolds, it highlights the urgent need for schools to address bullying and harassment effectively, ensuring a safe environment for all students. The implications of this lawsuit could resonate beyond Branchburg Township, prompting discussions about the responsibilities of educational institutions in safeguarding their students.
