Fort Lee, NJ - A third former student has taken legal action against the Fort Lee school district, accusing a now-retired teacher of repeated sexual harassment and inappropriate physical contact more than seven years ago.
Allegations Against Former Teacher Howard B. Sidorsky
The 22-year-old woman, whose name has not been released by NJ Advance Media, states in her lawsuit that Howard B. Sidorsky repeatedly touched her without consent while she attended Lewis F. Cole Middle School during the 2017–2018 school year.
The complaint details several incidents, including the teacher allegedly groping her thigh, touching her neck and back, and snapping her bra strap. The filing also describes comments Sidorsky allegedly made, such as calling the student “sexy” and remarking that she “looked good.”
Alleged Misconduct Beyond the Classroom
The lawsuit claims the inappropriate contact extended beyond school grounds. According to the filing, Sidorsky also touched the student at a community center, showing a pattern of boundary violations. He reportedly gave her preferential treatment by sending test answers to her phone, further blurring professional and ethical lines.
Claims of Negligence by the School District
The lawsuit asserts that the Fort Lee school district failed to safeguard the student, arguing that officials knew or should have known about Sidorsky’s conduct and neglected to act. Interim Superintendent Diane Collazo and two board members did not return requests for comment from NJ Advance Media.
Previous Lawsuits Against the District
This most recent complaint follows two similar lawsuits filed last year by other former students who also accused Sidorsky of sexual harassment and inappropriate touching. All three lawsuits collectively point to long-standing concerns about the district’s handling of student safety and staff conduct.
Understanding Legal Options for Victims of Substitute Teacher Misconduct
When abuse occurs within a school setting, victims and their families are often left uncertain about where to turn. In a recent discussion, New Jersey sexual abuse lawyer Eric Weitz discussed how victims can hold substitute teachers and school districts accountable under state law, and what steps survivors can take to file a claim for damages.
Laurence Banville, Esq.: Eric, with cases like the recent Fort Lee lawsuit, what options does a former student have under New Jersey law?
Eric Weitz, Esq.: Victims can bring civil claims for damages against both the individual teacher and the school district if there’s evidence of negligence or failure to act on prior warnings. These claims allow survivors to seek financial recovery for emotional distress, therapy costs, and other impacts tied to the abuse.
Banville: What makes these school-related cases challenging?
Weitz: Many survivors come forward years later, so one hurdle is timing. Fortunately, New Jersey extended its statute of limitations for these types of claims, giving victims more opportunity to act. The difficulty lies in proving the district’s knowledge of the misconduct, but thorough investigation and witness testimony often build that connection.
Banville: What message do you hope victims take from these lawsuits?
Weitz: No one should feel powerless because the abuse happened long ago. The law now better supports victims ready to hold accountable both offenders and institutions that failed to protect them.
Legal Support for Survivors and Families
Victims of teacher misconduct deserve answers and accountability. If you or a loved one experienced sexual abuse by a substitute teacher or school employee, our team stands ready to help. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal options and take the first step toward holding those responsible accountable.
Source
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/3rd-former-student-accuses-n-144441350.html
