Franklin school district to pay $75K in bullying suit

Franklin school district to pay $75K in bullying suit



The Franklin Township School District has agreed to pay a $75,000 settlement to a former student for failing to address racial bullying incidents aimed at the child.
The bullying went on from 2005 to 2009 at the Main Road School, while the victim was in third grade through the end of her sixth-grade year, said the state Attorney General's Office. It said the student-on-student bullying included race-based name calling.
"As we begin another school year, this case should serve as a reminder to school districts throughout the state that they have a duty to New Jersey's children to create and maintain a bullying-free learning environment," said Acting Attorney General John Hoffman.
"They have a legal responsibility when confronted with reports that a student is being bullied to take affirmative steps 'reasonably calculated' to end the conduct."
The Franklin School District has denied it engaged in unlawful discrimination, or that the girl was a victim of a hostile school environment, according to the Attorney General's Office.
The district contends its administrators immediately investigated and took appropriate actions on any incidents of harassment or bullying.
"The Township of Franklin Public School District takes pride in providing a safe, secure and bully-free learning environment," Superintendent Troy Walton said Wednesday.
"Our students are actively engaged in programs that celebrate diversity. We recognize the importance of teaching tolerance and will continue to search for innovative programs that educate our children on the harmful effects of bullying."
But Craig T. Sashihara, director of the state's Division on Civil Rights, said the district's actions were not effective as the harassment recurred and became more severe. A probable cause statement issued by the division in May 2011 noted the alleged harassment persisted for four years despite numerous complaints from the girl's parents to the school's principal and superintendent.
"No child should have to endure the kind of alleged harassment that took place in this case," added Sashihara.
"The student conduct described here was deplorable."
In addition to the financial terms of settlement, the Franklin school board also must allocate at least $2,500 for the creation of an anti-bullying awareness program this school year.
The school district must also review and revise its bullying policy and ensure all school personnel are given the appropriate training to handle bullying issues.
Reach Phil Dunn (856) 486-2456 or pdunn@courierpostonline.com. Follow him on Twitter @philmdunn.

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