The Ocean County school district where a 14-year-old died by suicide earlier this year is facing another lawsuit, over alleged failure to investigate harassment and bullying on school grounds. The parent of a student with autism is suing Central Regional School District, accusing officials of “willful indifference” to what the complaint calls a “hostile, intimidating and abusive education environment” for the student. The lawsuit contends this was due to the student’s gender, sexual orientation and perception as “disabled” by the alleged harassers. A spokesperson for Central Regional School District said the district can’t comment on pending litigation.
The first lawsuit against the district was brought by the parent of another student in October 2022, alleging a pattern of on-campus assaults and social-media bullying. In February, 14-year-old student Adriana Kuch died by suicide after videos of her being attacked by classmates were spread online.
