Former Student Alleges Bullying at Holmdel High

September 8, 2005

FREEHOLD, NJ—A former student at Holmdel High School has filed suit in Monmouth County alleging that she was severely bullied because she was a lesbian.

Nancy Wadington, who is now 18, recounted the verbal and physical abuse she received from fellow students, including being pushed down a flight of stairs, as well as numererous other incidents. Her mother said she complained to the school on many occaisions, but they did nothing, despite having adopted a anti-bullying policy that included sexual orientation. The board adopted this policy in 1998, but it is not known whether the policy and procedures complied with the state's strong anti-bullying statute, passed in 2003.

The suit, filed by Lambda Legal on Wadington's behalf, claims violations of the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination. Attorneys on the suit include former New Jersey Attorney General Robert Del Tufo.

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