'Adriana's Law' Needed To Keep Schools Safe, Berkeley Officials Say

BERKELEY, NJ — Berkeley Township officials are seeking stricter consequences for bullies in the wake of the death of Adriana Kuch.

"Adriana's Law," named for the 14-year-old Central Regional student who took her own life after being attacked at school, would require legal consequences for anyone who films an assault on a minor. There would also be consequences for those who share said videos, whether via text or social media.

Mayor Carmen Amato introduced a resolution at a recent Berkeley Township Council meeting imploring legislators to enact Adriana's Law. The meeting was the first Council meeting since Kuch's death.

"We must do everything we can to prevent this from happening again in the future," Amato said.

This law was suggested to Amato by resident Amanda Scheuermann, who has been advocating for Adriana's Law recently.

The law would prevent the revictimization of students attacked at school like Kuch, and would hopefully protect and prevent these tragedies, the text of the resolution reads.

New Jersey's current anti-bullying law does not do enough to eliminate harassment, intimidation and bullying in schools, the resolution says.

"In a perfect world, school would be a safe place for our children to learn, grow and be themselves," said Council President John Bacchione. "Unfortunately, our world is far from perfect. And the school is not always a safe haven for our youth."

Bacchione also called for school officials to reevaluate protocols, review policies and increase security within their buildings.

"We demand they do more. Our children deserve more," Bacchione said.

Copies of the Adriana's Law resolution will be sent to Gov. Phil Murphy, Rep. Chris Smith, Senate President Nicholas Scutari, Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, and members of the 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th and 30th Legislative Districts.

"We never want it to happen again," Amato said of Kuch's death. "Not only in our town. We just never want it to happen again, period."

Previous Coverage:

What Comes Next For The Central Regional School District?

Long History Of Bullying At Central Regional, Students Say

NJ Legislators Propose Amending Anti-Bullying Laws In Wake Of Suicide