Legal Representation Against School Bullying and Title IX Claims

Compassionate Advocacy to Safeguard Students’ Rights | NJ & PA

When your child faces bullying or Title IX violations, they deserve a safe learning environment and full legal protection. At Edelstein Law, we combine deep expertise in Pennsylvania’s and New Jersey’s anti‑bullying statutes and Title IX regulations with a compassionate, results‑driven approach to hold schools and perpetrators accountable.

Understanding School Bullying & Title IX Violations

Schools have a legal duty under New Jersey’s Anti‑Bullying Bill of Rights Act, Pennsylvania’s Safe Schools Act (Act 26), and federal Title IX to prevent and remedy harassment, discrimination, and violence. Failure to do so may give rise to claims under civil rights law, negligence, and educational mandates.

Types of Bullying:

  • Physical Bullying: Hitting, pushing, tripping, or damaging personal property.

  • Verbal Bullying: Name‑calling, threats, teasing, or derogatory slurs.

  • Social or Relational Bullying: Exclusion, rumor‑spreading, or public humiliation.

  • Cyberbullying: Harassment via texts, social media, emails, or online forums.

  • Hazing: Coercive initiation rites that endanger health or dignity.

  • Discrimination & Harassment: Targeting based on race, gender, religion, disability, or sexual orientation.

  • Sexual Harassment & Assault (Title IX): Unwelcome sexual advances, quid‑pro‑quo, hostile environment, or assault.

  • Dating & Domestic Violence (Title IX): Physical or emotional abuse in a teen dating relationship.

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Steps to Take If Your Child Is Bullied or Subjected to Title IX Misconduct

  1. Document Every Incident: Record dates, times, locations, descriptions, and witnesses.

  2. Preserve Evidence: Save texts, screenshots, social posts, emails, and physical proof.

  3. Report to School Officials: File written complaints with principals, Title IX coordinators, and district administrators.

  4. Follow Up in Writing: Request investigation updates, corrective actions, and policy compliance.

  5. File Formal Grievances: Under Title IX procedures for sexual misconduct, and under state anti‑bullying policies.

  6. Seek Medical or Counseling Support: For physical injuries or emotional trauma.

  7. Consult an Attorney Promptly: Early legal advice helps preserve claims and navigate complex procedural rules.

Reporting & Investigation:

New Jersey: ABR mandates reporting to the DOE, one‑day investigation start, completion within 10 days.

Pennsylvania: Act 26 requires prompt investigations (no fixed deadline) and annual state reporting.

Public Disclosure:

New Jersey: Schools must post aggregate bullying data publicly.

Pennsylvania: Reporting is internal to PDE, with no public posting requirement.

Title IX Specifics:

Both PA and NJ public and private schools must designate Title IX coordinators, follow federal grievance procedures, and provide supportive measures to complainants.

Failure can lead to OCR complaints and civil rights lawsuits.

Our dual‑state and federal expertise ensures your child’s rights are protected at every level.

Differences in School Bullying & Title IX Laws: Pennsylvania vs. New Jersey

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Steps to Take if Your Child is Involved in School Bullying or Title IX Incidents

First, could you write down the entire situation, including detailed encounters, dates, names, witnesses, locations, and anything you can remember about the bullying? This is good evidence for you to bring when speaking to the school. Schools are required by law to have bullying policies in place. Could you constantly review these policies and follow them?  If the school needs help, try to go to the school board member or Superintendent. If no one can help you with the school bullying, consulting with an experienced attorney for legal guidance and representation is a good idea.

At Edelstein Law, LLP, our Pennsylvania and New Jersey school bullying lawyers will provide you with sound legal advice and conduct a thorough investigation. This includes preserving critical evidence, interviewing witnesses, and obtaining medical records documenting any injuries, including any records from psychiatrists or therapists. 

Steps and Guidance:

  1. Legal Consultation: We provide comprehensive legal consultations to understand the specifics of your case and explore the best course of action.

  2. Representation: Our experienced attorneys can represent your child's interests in negotiations or legal proceedings, aiming to hold the responsible parties accountable.

  3. Guidance and Support: We offer advice on dealing with schools and educational authorities to ensure they take appropriate measures to stop bullying and prevent future incidents.

  4. Resources and Referrals: Access to counseling and support services to help your child heal and recover from the effects of bullying.

Educational Resouce Links for School Bullying & Title IX: Pennsylvania & New Jersey Law

The State of New Jersey Bullying Resources:

The State of Pennsylvania Bullying Resources:

School Bullying & Title IX Claims: Frequently Asked Questions

  • Answer: Title IX is a federal law prohibiting sex‑based discrimination in education. It requires schools to prevent and address sexual harassment, assault, and gender‑based bullying.

  • Answer: Yes, a school that breaches its anti‑bullying or Title IX obligations can be held liable under civil rights, negligence, or educational mandates. Public schools are typically protected by sovereign immunity, however, this is not the case in all public school bullying cases.

    • NJ ABR: Within 1 school day of the report and complete within 10 days.

    • PA Act 26: Promptly, typically within a few days.

    • Title IX (federal): Must follow a fair, prompt, and equitable grievance process; OCR expects resolution within 60 days, absent extenuating circumstances.

  • Answer: Remedies include school‑ordered supportive measures, policy changes, counseling, compensatory damages for emotional distress, and punitive damages in egregious cases.

  • Answer: All public schools and institutions receiving federal funds must comply with Title IX. Private schools must follow state anti‑bullying statutes but may have different Title IX procedures if they receive federal funds.

  • Answer: Our dual‑state licensure, deep understanding of federal Title IX and state anti‑bullying laws, proven results, and child‑centered, compassionate advocacy make us the strongest choice to protect your child’s rights.

Edelstein Law Fight for Victims: We are here to Protect, Advocate, and Pursue Justice for your Family

Edelstein Law provides comprehensive legal services to address school bullying and title ix claims, including:

  1. Legal counsel and representation in meetings with school administrators

  2. Filing complaints with appropriate educational and civil rights organizations

  3. Pursuing legal action to secure damages for harm suffered and ensure accountability

TEXT US immediately if you suspect school bullying is affecting your home!

If your child has been a victim of school bullying or discrimination, you do not have to face this challenge alone. Contact Edelstein Law, LLP today to schedule a consultation with one of our compassionate and experienced attorneys. We support your family and fight for your child's rights.

Stand Up Against School Bullying, Discrimination, and Violence Riddled School Districts | Schedule Your Consultation with Edelstein Law Today

“Edelstein Law – Dedicated to eradicating school bullying and Title IX violations across Pennsylvania and New Jersey.”
— Edelstein Law