the staff of the Ridgewood blog
A mother from Midland Park alleges that her middle school-aged son endured bullying and physical assaults without effective intervention from the school district.
According to the mother, incidents of bullying and physical violence against her son, including being stepped on, pinched, bruised, punched, and pushed to the ground, have occurred since December. Additionally, the lawsuit, filed in state Superior Court on April 16, claims that her son was subjected to derogatory remarks about his sexual orientation and had his lunch stolen and ridiculed on a daily basis.
The lawsuit states that the mother met with school officials, including Principal Peter Galasso, anti-bullying coordinator Craig Rush, and guidance counselor Laura Scala, multiple times between December 2023 and March to address her concerns. Allegedly, despite these meetings, the defendants, particularly Galasso, failed to take effective action, ignored the complaints, and downplayed the seriousness of the situation.
The lawsuit asserts that the defendants had a duty to ensure the student’s safety and address the mother’s requests for action. Their alleged inaction purportedly caused the son to suffer from anxiety, depression, fear, and trauma. The suit claims damages for economic and non-economic distress, loss of self-esteem, loss of community standing, physical and mental injuries, and legal expenses.
The family seeks a trial by jury and is pursuing punitive damages, interest, compensatory and equitable relief, and reimbursement for the costs associated with the lawsuit.
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Oh boy, midlandpark, it’s not some little old quiet quaint Little town anymore is it. It has become one big melting pot. Oh yes, they lost control didn’t they. The old timer flipping out. Remember 40 years ago, I do.
Midland Park is an incredibly town. They have amazing teachers and provide good education for everyone. Never heard complaints until now
If it doesn’t happen to your kid, I guess it doesn’t happen.
There are several kids transferred out of district on MP’s dime because they failed to handle bullying properly and ignored the depression that followed. My kid was one of them. Since speaking up, multiple parents have reached out and shared their own disturbing stories with me.
Bullying is a decease that needs to be addressed and stopped. This mother made a difference and hopefully others follow and stand up for their children. It takes courage. Superintendent is gone and so is the principal. I feel bad for the little boy. Hope everything works out for this mother and her child!