Lawsuit Filed Against Hillsdale Board of Education Over Child Sexual Abuse Allegations: Understanding Your Rights and Options
The safety and well-being of children are paramount, especially within educational institutions. Unfortunately, there are instances where these institutions fail in their duty to protect children from harm. A recent case highlights this failure: a lawsuit filed against the Hillsdale Board of Education over allegations of child sexual abuse. This legal action underscores the importance of understanding the rights of survivors and the legal options available to them. According to a 2004 U.S. Department of Education report, an estimated 1 in 10 students will experience school employee sexual misconduct by the time they graduate from high school, highlighting the prevalence of this issue.
Recent Lawsuit Against Hillsdale Board of Education
On September 13, 2025, the Leonard Legal Group filed a lawsuit in Bergen County Superior Court against the Hillsdale Board of Education and George White Elementary School. The lawsuit alleges that the school system failed to protect a second-grade student from repeated sexual abuse by his teacher, Howard Schultz, in the 1980s. The complaint asserts that the school district breached its duty to safeguard children in its care, enabling Schultz to exploit his position of authority to commit acts of sexual abuse against a vulnerable child. This case follows Leonard Legal Group’s recent representation of another survivor of Schultz’s abuse, which resulted in a $3 million settlement while the jury was deliberating.
Understanding Institutional Liability
Schools, whether public or private, can be held liable if they were negligent in hiring, supervising, or retaining staff, or if they failed to act on known risks or reports of abuse. These cases often involve claims for negligent supervision, failure to report, and violations of mandatory reporting laws. Organizations in New Jersey serving children and youth have a duty to take reasonable, necessary, and appropriate steps to protect children and youth from child sexual predators.
Legal Options for Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse
If you or someone you know has been a victim of child sexual abuse, it’s essential to understand the legal options available. Here are some key points to consider:
- Statute of Limitations: New Jersey has made significant strides to address the issue of childhood sexual abuse, recognizing the lifelong impact it can have on survivors. One of the most important changes has been the expansion of New Jersey’s childhood sexual abuse statute of limitations (SOL) – the time limit within which a victim can file a lawsuit. Victims can file lawsuits against their abusers up to the age of 55 or within 7 years from the date they acknowledge the abuse.
- Civil Lawsuits: Unlike the criminal law process, which punishes abusers, civil lawsuits compensate survivors of sexual abuse. Survivors may have a right to sue the perpetrator and those who failed to prevent the abuse.
- Financial Compensation: Survivors and their families may pursue financial compensation through civil remedies. This compensation can cover costs like medical bills, therapy expenses, and lost wages due to the survivor’s trauma and its impact on their life.
- Institutional Liability: Many survivors sue not only the abuser but also institutions that failed to protect them, such as schools, churches, or youth organizations. These cases often fall under the category of “institutional liability,” where organizations are held accountable for enabling or failing to prevent abuse.
The Importance of Reporting and Seeking Justice
Reporting incidents of abuse is crucial for several reasons:
- Accountability: Reporting the abuse allows the criminal justice system to investigate and, if there is sufficient evidence, prosecute the abuser.
- Prevention: By holding institutions accountable, you alert other parents to their exploitative behavior and possibly even help spark systemic change.
- Healing: Seeking justice can be an essential part of the healing process for survivors, allowing them to reclaim control and prevent future abuse.
Changes to New Jersey’s Statute of Limitations
Recent Senate rulings in New Jersey put sexual abuse survivors one step closer to reaching justice. On March 25, 2019, New Jersey lawmakers approved and passed S477, a measure to modify New Jersey’s statute of limitations on sexual abuse. This bill gives victims of sexual abuse more time to file lawsuits against their abusers. Before, sexual abuse survivors could only pursue civil action against their abuser for two years or until they turned 20. Now, S477 allows adults who were sexually abused as a child to sue their abusers up until the age of 55 or seven years after they “discover” their injuries (whether that be emotional or psychological) are the result of sexual abuse.
Seeking Legal Assistance
Navigating the legal system can be complex, especially in cases involving child sexual abuse. It’s essential to seek the guidance of an experienced attorney who can help you understand your rights and options.
- Experienced Attorneys: Look for attorneys with experience in handling child sexual abuse cases and a proven track record of success.
- Compassionate Representation: Choose an attorney who understands the sensitive nature of these cases and provides compassionate support to survivors.
- Free Consultation: Many attorneys offer free consultations to discuss your case and answer your questions.
Taking Action
If you or someone you know has been a victim of child sexual abuse, taking action is crucial. Here are some steps you can take:
- Report the Abuse: Report the abuse to law enforcement and the appropriate authorities.
- Seek Medical and Psychological Help: Obtain medical treatment and psychological counseling to address the trauma caused by the abuse.
- Consult with an Attorney: Contact an experienced attorney to discuss your legal options and protect your rights.
Conclusion
The lawsuit filed against the Hillsdale Board of Education serves as a stark reminder of the importance of protecting children and holding institutions accountable for their failures. By understanding your rights and options, you can take action to seek justice and prevent future abuse. If you or someone you know has been a victim of child sexual abuse, don’t hesitate to seek help and take the first step towards healing and justice.