School Bullying & Title IX Lawyers (PA & NJ)

When a school fails to protect a student, documentation and timing matter. We build evidence-first civil cases addressing bullying, harassment, hazing, sex-based misconduct, and retaliation—while keeping families informed and respected.

No fee unless we win • Confidential intake

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Support note: If a student is in immediate danger, call 911. If you need help right now, StopBullying.gov lists immediate support options, including 988.

What we handle.

  • Verbal Bullying: name-calling, threats, slurs

  • Social & Relational Bullying: Exclusion, rumors, and humiliation

  • Cyberbullying: harassment via texts, social platforms, email

  • Hazing: coercive initiation that endangers health or dignity

  • Discrimination & Harassment: targeting based on protected characteristics

  • Sexual Harassment & Assault (Title IX): hostile environment or sexual violence

  • Dating & domestic violence (Title IX): abuse in teen dating relationships

Title IX, explained clearly

Title IX is a federal law prohibiting sex discrimination in education programs receiving federal financial assistance, including sex-based harassment and sexual violence. 

Schools must designate at least one Title IX Coordinator and provide notices/grievance procedures as required by regulation. 

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Important note: Federal Title IX regulations have been in flux; the U.S. Department of Education states the 2024 Final Rule was vacated and the 2020 Title IX Rule is currently the basis for OCR enforcement.

When a school knows, it must act!

OCR explains that when a school knows or reasonably should know of possible discriminatory harassment or bullying, it must take immediate and appropriate steps to investigate and determine what occurred; if a hostile environment exists, the school must take prompt and effective steps to end it, prevent recurrence, and remedy effects.

Evidence that strengthens a case:

Using evidence and documentation as leverage:

✔️ A Dated Incident Log – Who, What, Where, and When

✔️ Digital Evidence – Screenshots, messages (texts, social media, and emails), URLs, and Usernames

✔️ Medical– Medical documentation & therapy notes (as you choose to share).

✔️ Correspondence with the School – Emails, discipline notes, and incident reports

✔️ Bullying and Title IX Procedures – School policies and student handbooks

✔️ Witnesses & Timeline Corroboration – Students, staff, and other parents

At Edelstein Law, we aggressively pursue all responsible parties to ensure you receive justice and financial compensation.

A group of children, one boy in the center with a displeased or confused expression, talking with two girls on either side, standing outside with a modern building in the background.

Reporting Toolkit (Simple, non-invasive)

Use a written report. Keep it factual. Request acknowledgement

Suggested template (paste into an email or letter):

  • Student name/grade (or initials)

  • School/building and district

  • Dates and locations of incidents

  • Names/roles of involved individuals (if known)

  • Description of conduct (bullying, hazing, harassment, sex-based harassment)

  • Evidence attached (screenshots/photos/witness list)

  • Harm/impact (attendance changes, anxiety, grades, medical visit)

  • Prior reports made (dates + to whom)

  • Requested actions (safety plan, separation, investigation, no retaliation)

  • Request written confirmation + point of contact (principal / Title IX coordinator)

A checklist with red checkmarks, a clipboard, and a black and gold pen on a work table, with a yellow safety helmet in the background.

Pennsylvania vs New Jersey: What bullying means in policy

Handling bullying state by state

  • Pennsylvania: school entities must adopt a bullying policy and the statute provides a definition (intentional act(s), severe, persistent, pervasive, substantial interference, hostile environment, disruption, and occurring in a school setting as defined

  • New Jersey: NJDOE summarizes the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act framework and defines HIB under N.J.S.A. 18A:37-14, including acts motivated by actual, perceived characteristics and conduct that substantially disrupts school operations or interferes with students’ rights.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Only when it is sex-based harassment , violence or otherwise sex discrimination. Title IX covers sex discrimination, including sex-based harassment and sexual violence. 

  • OCR explains schools must act when they know or should know of discriminatory harassment; failure to take prompt effective steps can violate civil rights obligation.

  • No. Start with what you have. Documentation grows as you report and preserve evidence.

  • Retaliation is a recognized civil rights issue; document retaliatory acts the same way (dates, witnesses, communications)

  • Promptly. Schools’ records and digital evidence can disappear quickly; deadlines vary by claim type and facts.

Request a Free, Confidential Case Review:

Tell us what happened and what you’re dealing with now. We’ll respond promptly, explain your options, and outline next steps.

  • No fee unless we win

  • Fast Response

  • Serving Pennsylvania & New Jersey—All Counties

  • Prefer to call? — Philadelphia (215) 893-9311 • New Jersey (856) 809-3150

REQUEST A FREE CASE REVIEW