Schools

Montclair Schools Facing Sex Harassment Suit: Report

"I urge you to suspend judgement regarding these claims until they are fully adjudicated," Montclair's interim school superintendent said.

MONTCLAIR, NJ — A pair of security officers at Montclair High School have filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against the Montclair Board of Education, a report says.

In the lawsuit – which was filed in March – the female officers allege they were subjected to sexual comments and demeaning remarks from supervisors while on the job, Montclair Local reported.

The officers allege they overheard male coworkers – including their supervisors – make comments about the attractiveness of female students, visitors to the school and employees.

Find out what's happening in Montclairfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Read the full article via Montclair Local.

On Nov. 4, Interim School Superintendent Nathan Parker offered a statement about the pending legal matters.

Find out what's happening in Montclairfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

“There have been a number of legal claims against the Montclair Public Schools or against individuals within the school district,” Parker wrote. “All of the claims are based on incidents that took place before I became the interim superintendent of schools.”

“I take civil rights, discrimination and sexual harassment claims seriously,” Parker stated. “All such claims will be rigorously investigated and adjudicated.”

All personnel matters must be kept confidential by district officials as per New Jersey law, Parker said.

“I urge you to suspend judgement regarding these claims until they are fully adjudicated,” Parker wrote. “These kinds of claims, regardless of the accuracy, impact family, friends and workplace environments. Please be assured that we have competent and assertive legal support and local agencies who will participate in all such claims. I assure community members, colleagues, and families that students and staff will work and learn in a safe and respectful environment.”

Don’t forget to visit the Patch Montclair Facebook page. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.