A family has filed a lawsuit against the Patchogue-Medford School District, South Ocean-Middle School, and three school officials accusing the school district of failing to protect their children from relentless bullying.
William and Debra Dawson allege that their minor children, L.D. and A.D., have endured years of severe bullying at South Ocean-Middle School. The complaint outlines a series of incidents where L.D. was physically assaulted, photographed in compromising situations without consent, and subjected to verbal abuse by peers. Despite numerous reports to school authorities under the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA), the Dawsons claim that little was done to address or prevent these acts of harassment. "L.D.'s experience at South Ocean-Middle School became a living nightmare," the complaint states, describing how the lack of action by school officials led to severe emotional distress for both children.
The Dawsons further accuse specific school officials—Principal Timothy Piciullo, Assistant Principal Maria Del Pilar Erdman, and Dean Ryan Crabtree—of failing in their duties under DASA to investigate and resolve reported incidents adequately. The lawsuit highlights an incident where L.D. was photographed while using the bathroom; despite evidence from security footage confirming this violation, the district allegedly failed to involve law enforcement or take substantial corrective measures.
In addition to claims under federal law such as Title IX violations due to gender-based discrimination and harassment, the Dawsons assert violations of state laws including New York State Human Rights Law and Civil Rights Law. They argue that these failures by the defendants not only breached legal obligations but also contributed significantly to L.D.'s declining mental health, resulting in hospitalizations due to anxiety and depression.
Debra Dawson, an employee of the district, alleges that she was forced into choosing between her job and her children's safety after reporting off-campus bullying incidents involving her children. This pressure reportedly led her to resign from her position within the district.
The plaintiffs seek compensatory damages for emotional distress suffered by their children due to persistent bullying unchecked by school authorities. They also request punitive damages against individual defendants for their roles in perpetuating a hostile educational environment. Furthermore, they demand reasonable costs and attorneys' fees as part of relief sought through this legal action.
The plaintiffs are represented by attorney Marc Andrew Kramer of the Law Office of Nicole M. Cardiello, Esq., P.C. The case was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York under Civil Action No.: 25-cv-1026.