NorthJersey.com – January 6, 2026:
Ex-Bergen Student Says School Failed to Protect him from Bullying
Article originally publsihed January 6, 2026 from northjersey.com
A former Bergen County Technical High School student and his family have accused the district of failing to protect him from violent students and continued harassment.
The family filed a lawsuit against the Bergen County Technical Schools, Bergen County Technical High School, the Board of Education of the Vocational Schools in the County of Bergen, numerous administrators and staff members, and eight students.
Matthew Giacobbe, attorney for the school district, said he would not comment on the specific allegations in the lawsuit.
“We will vigorously defend this litigation and look forward to demonstrating that the Bergen County Technical School District acted in full conformance with New Jersey law,” Giacobbe said.
Jeffrey Youngman, attorney for the plaintiffs, did not respond to a request for comment.
The complaint says the student was subjected to “a series of brutal and vicious attacks and constant harassment, intimidation, bullying and abuse” by several students between September 2021 and November 2023.
The suit outlines several instances of alleged bullying and violence, including an accusation of being “viciously” attacked in the school gym and people recording it and posting it to Snapchat, being slapped by a student, and being assaulted in the locker room, in addition to other claims. Other students recorded some of the incidents, the lawsuit says.
The lawsuit says the district, Board of Education and staff failed to protect the student and others from harm, and failed to supervise them and enforce anti-bullying policies.
The family is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, interest, attorney’s fees and costs of the suit.