the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Fort Lee NJ, two former students of Fort Lee have initiated legal action against the school district and Board of Education, alleging that a former teacher engaged in inappropriate behavior towards them.
Kaylie Quezada and another unnamed former student assert that they were subjected to sexual assault and harassment by former special education math teacher Howard Sidorsky in 2012 and 2017, respectively. Both individuals were enrolled at Lewis F. Cole Middle School during the incidents.
In April 2019, Sidorsky was found guilty of harassment for “offensive touching” following a complaint filed by Quezada’s mother in Fort Lee Municipal Court. Despite an appeal, the conviction was upheld, and Sidorsky’s teaching certificate was subsequently revoked in December 2020. Additionally, an investigation by the Institutional Abuse Investigation Unit of the Division of Child Protection and Permanency substantiated Quezada’s accusations.
The lawsuit contends that the Fort Lee school district and Board of Education bear responsibility for safeguarding Quezada and the other student. District regulations expressly prohibit various forms of inappropriate conduct, including sexual harassment, and mandate reporting of any concerns regarding staff conduct.
The unnamed student, who was 12 years old at the time of the incident, alleges that Sidorsky subjected her to physical, emotional, and psychological harm through sexual overtures and offensive touching. She states that the administration failed to address her mother’s complaint in 2012, leading to prolonged suffering and emotional distress.
Similarly, Quezada recounts experiences of inappropriate touching and grooming by Sidorsky during her time at the middle school, resulting in panic attacks, anxiety, and depression. She asserts that the district’s delayed response and inadequate investigation further exacerbated her trauma.
Both individuals seek damages, including interest, attorney fees, and costs of the suit, in addition to holding the school district accountable for its alleged negligence in addressing their complaints.
The lawsuit underscores the enduring impact of such incidents on victims and emphasizes the importance of holding institutions accountable for ensuring the safety and well-being of their students.
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