When the School Doesn't Act: How to File a Complaint with the NJ DOE — Part 4
You reported the bullying. The school did nothing. Here is the exact step-by-step escalation process — from appealing to the Board of Education all the way to the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights — with deadlines, official contacts, and plain-language guidance.
You reported the bullying. You filled out the HIB 338 Form. You waited. And nothing happened. What now?
What the School Was Required to Do
Under the ABR: the Anti-Bullying Specialist must begin an investigation within one school day; the investigation must be completed within 10 school days; parents of both the target and the alleged bully must be notified of the findings in writing. If you received no written notification within that window, the school is already out of compliance.
Step 1: Appeal to the Board of Education
Send a written request to the Board Secretary requesting a hearing under N.J.S.A. 18A:37-15(d) within 60 days of receiving written notice of the investigation's findings.
Step 2: Appeal to the Commissioner of Education
Contact the NJ DOE Office of Student Support Services at [email protected] or (609) 376-9109.
Step 3: File a Civil Rights Complaint
NJ Division on Civil Rights (DCR): File within 180 days at nj.gov/oag/dcr or call (609) 292-4605.
U.S. DOE Office for Civil Rights (OCR): File within 180 days at ocr.ed.gov or call (800) 421-3481.
Quick Reference: Key Contacts
- NJ DOE School Climate Coordinator: [email protected] | (609) 376-9109
- NJ Division on Civil Rights: (609) 292-4605
- U.S. DOE Office for Civil Rights: (800) 421-3481
This series is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
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