A Long Island school district is facing a federal lawsuit brought by the parents of two middle-school students who allege that the school district tolerated repeated instances of bullying directed by students towards the two children. The lawsuit alleges that the two children, who are twins, “experienced near-constant bullying and harassment” and that despite the family “repeatedly filing formal written complaints” against students, the school district “continually failed to take the action necessary” to protect the children.

Almost all school districts have rules and procedures in place that are supposed to penalize student bullying, and to give parents and students a way to report bullying incidents so that the school can respond to them. But rules and procedures are only effective if used properly, and when that doesn't happen, bullied children can experience both emotional and physical trauma. If your child is having issues with bullies at school that their school is not addressing, contact the Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team. Our attorneys are ready to help you protect your child. Call us at 888.535.3686 or use our contact form to schedule a confidential consultation.

Allegations of Bullying on Long Island

The lawsuit was filed in federal court in the Eastern District of New York. It alleges that the Patchogue-Medford School District, the South Ocean Middle School, and several school officials failed to address numerous bullying reports made by the parents of the twin students on whose behalf the lawsuit was filed. According to the complaint, the bullying included:

• Photos taken of the male sibling while in the boys' bathroom “in a vulnerable position of being unclothed” that were then shared with other students on Snapchat
• Name-calling that included the male sibling being called “Chuck E Boy” and other, more vulgar, names
• Physical aggression against both siblings
• Teasing, name-calling, and threatening against both siblings
• Rude or threatening gestures directed at the siblings
• Spreading hateful or embarrassing rumors about one or both siblings
• Taunting of the male sibling during one of his wrestling matches

The complaint also alleged that when the male sibling attempted to defend himself against bullying, he was disciplined by the school, while those who allegedly bullied him received lesser penalties.

Both siblings, the complaint alleges, have suffered depression and anxiety as a result of the bullying. It states that the male sibling has been hospitalized as a result of a court determination that he posed a serious risk to himself. The complaint also alleges that his sister has suffered from anorexia.

The complaint alleges that the school district and the middle school failed to adequately respond to the repeated reports of bullying made by both of the students as well as by their parents. It seeks compensatory and punitive damages against the defendants.

If Your Child's School is Not Responding to Bullying Reports, Contact the Lento Law Firm

The experienced attorneys who make up the Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team understand how devastating it can be to be a student whose bullying complaints are ignored. Repeated and sustained bullying can destroy a child's self-confidence, and can result in severe mental trauma as well as, depending on the extent of the bullying, physical trauma.

Schools are supposed to take active steps to stop bullying once school officials learn that it is happening. When they fail to do so, they can be held liable. But just as importantly, sometimes they need someone besides a parent to explain to them what their legal obligations are to address and resolve bullying.

Our attorneys have years of experience helping parents protect their students from bullying, unfair disciplinary allegations, and other unjust and illegal conduct by their schools. We understand the many laws and regulations that apply in these kinds of cases, and will help you protect your child's rights when those rights are ignored by their school. Call us today at 888.535.3686 or use our contact form, and we will schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your child's case. We are here to go to bat for your child!