Report: Seventh-Grader Wasn't Sexually Harassed by Other Student

Parents of a Bridgewater seventh-grade girl who reported a boy attempting to get her to send nude photos and engage in sexual activity failed in their attempt to get a school ruling that she was not sexually harassed overturned, according to a report on NJ.com.  

In a final report issued in June by Administrative Law Judge John R. Futey, the parents sought to have the Aug. 28, 2012, decision by the Bridgewater-Raritan Board of Education that called the behavior "adolescent sexual curiosity."

The Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School student told her school counselor that a boy had made the requests. The school investigated the incident with a formal harassment intimidation and bullying investigation, which reviewed the girl's cell phone, and determined there hadn't been anything rising to the level of bullying or retaliation.

School guidance counselors addressed the issue with the students, but the girl's parents did not agree with the ruling, and appealed the school's determination in May 2012. 

The board upheld the school's determination on Aug. 28, 2012, which was appealed to state education commissioner on Nov. 27.

The commissioner responded within two days, noting the appeal had not been properly filed and was filed more than 90 days after the decision—too late for an appeal, according to the final report issued in June by Futey.