Sexual Harassment Committee To Probe 'Disturbing' Allegations In Edison Schools

EDISON, NJ — Edison Public Schools announced the creation of a committee to probe “disturbing” reports of gender violence and sexual harassment in the school district.

Superintendent Bernard F. Bragen Jr., announced the formation of the task force during Tuesday's Board of Education meeting.

“I received reports of disturbing behaviors that are allegedly occurring and happening to and by some of our students. More specifically, there are reports and possibly under-reported incidents of gender-based violence, harassment, including sexual harassment that may be occurring,” Bragen said.

“As both the leader of the school district and as a parent, this type of behavior is incompatible with our expectations for our students, the climate, and the culture in our schools, and our overall community. And it will not be tolerated.”

Bragen said the school district’s responsibility was not only to teach students but to ensure they remain safe.

A number of students attended the Board meeting and spoke about their experience while urging the Board to take action.

“I am asking the Board to look at how sexual assaults are handled by Edison High School. I am asking the Board to figure out how to make a broken system more effective. I am asking this board to put proper mental health services in place and build a comprehensive curriculum that protects its students,” an Edison High School student said.

“There are members of this board who are actively fighting a radical sex curriculum that doesn't even exist, you will need to spend more time fixing the curriculum that does exist.”

Student-athlete Marcella Iversen showed her support for students who spoke up during the meeting.

“After hearing these accounts of the girls from Edison High, I was just sitting in my seat angry,” Iverson said. “I've been sent home for wearing a tank top to school. And people who are assaulting other students are still walking and still traumatizing other students.”

Iverson was recently nominated for the 2022 USA Football’s Heart of a Giant Award. She called for accountability and asked the Board to find solutions to prevent the problem.

“In many accounts, girls are always in school being held accountable. While men that are hurting these beautiful, brave young ladies are allowed to walk the halls free,” Iverson said.

Board President Doug Schneider pledged the administration's support to students.

“As Board President, I sit here and I am struggling to find words other than to say thank you for your courage,” Schneider said. “It's obvious that we need to have this discussion with our administration and I think this Board pledges their support for you.”

The new committee will include students, staff and parents, Bragen said. The committee will offer suggestions on how to prevent incidents from happening.

The Superintendent said the school district will work more towards empowering students and student victims to report incidents and offer them support and services.

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