Pa. ACLU files complaint against Central Bucks School Dist. over alleged bully, harassment of LGBTQ+ students

BUCKS COUNTY, Pa - The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania has filed a federal complaint against the Central Bucks School District detailing a toxic environment of bullying, harassment, and discrimination of LGBTQ plus students.

"We talked to dozens of parents, students, staff members, former staff members and just learned about the different types of hostilities that have been happening towards LGBTQ students, and transgender students in particular," said Richard Ting, staff attorney at the ACLUPA.

Seven students in elementary, middle and high school are part of the 72-page complaint, according to Ting, who said the one thing the students share in common is their experience of harassment and bullying.

MORE LOCAL HEADLINES

• Philadelphia's trash problem made simpler through crowdfunding program
• Wildwood officials inspect massive destruction of beach after days of rain, wind
• Police: Man 'amazingly' not hit after 4 suspects fire more than 30 shots at him in Overbrook

"The school district knew about it. Not only did they not take reasonable actions to resolve the problems, but now they’ve recently started doing things like banning pride flags from classrooms," said Ting.

As FOX 29 previously reported, the complaint said books with LGBTQ plus related content were banned in classroom libraries and students were not allowed to use preferred names and pronouns without permission from their parents.

We reached out to the Central Bucks School District and received the following statement.

"We believe it is paramount that all students and teachers are cared for and respected as members of our learning and teaching community. With regard to today’s filing, we do not comment on legal matters," said Superintendent Abram Lucabaugh.

The complaint was submitted to the Department of Justice and Department of Education for review.