Weitz & Luxenberg is investigating cases of the sexting abuse of students in New York City public, private, and parochial schools. The alleged abusers are employees of the school, often educators.
They engaged in inappropriate contact with students through personal text messages, including photos. In some cases, these abusers developed sexual relationships with students.
W&L Invites Families of Students to File Sexting Lawsuits
We are filing sexting lawsuits on behalf of clients who attended NYC schools and were 16 years of age and younger when they were victims of sexual abuse and sexting.
“The cases of sexual abuse we are learning of are absolutely indefensible,” says W&L attorney Jared Scotto. “When we send our young people to school, we are trusting their safety and education to the very people who are entrusted with their care. Instead of honoring this trust, some educators violated our young people in some of the most traumatizing ways possible. This cannot stand. We must hold the responsible parties accountable.”
W&L lawyers urge anyone who was sexually abused or harmed in any way by the actions of NYC educators to contact us. The actions the school employees took are reprehensible.
We are prepared to hold them responsible for being part of this sexting scandal. You deserve justice.
NYC Educators Accused of Sexual Misconduct
According to the New York Post, dozens of NYC educators are accused of inappropriate communications — and even sexual relationships — with students. Some educators and other school personnel requested nude photos or tried to win a student’s favor by offering money, gifts, or drugs. (1)
NY City’s Special Commissioner of Investigation said the total number of possible cases is 121 or more. The alleged abuse cases took place between 2018 and 2024. These “improper communications” between school personnel and students are substantiated. (2)
If you or a loved one was harmed in the NYC school sexting scandal, contact us today.
(917) LAWYERSEducators Broke NYC DOE Social Media Policy
NYC’s Department of Education (DOE) is clear about its social media policy. DOE employees are expected to refrain from communicating with students — currently attending an NYC school — through their personal social media sites. (3)
The only exception to this policy is in an emergency. In those instances, the educators should notify a supervisor as soon as possible. (4)
The NYC DOE currently allows staffers to use personal phones and email addresses to contact students. Officials say stricter regulations are necessary. (5)
Teen Sex Abuse and Lasting Trauma
Perpetrators of teen sexual abuse are out for themselves. They typically don’t think of how their behavior can cause both short-term and long-term harm to a young person. When thinking of sexual abuse, you automatically assume an abuser initiated: (6)
- Sexual kissing.
- Touching.
- Fondling of genitals.
- Oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse.
However, sexual abuse does not have to involve physical contact. For example, sexual abuse can also involve an educator: (7)
- Exposing genitals to a young person.
- Sharing sexual images or pornography.
- Pressuring a young person to engage in sexual activity.
Untreated, sexual abuse in childhood can lead to: (8)
- Posttraumatic stress disorder.
- Thoughts of suicide.
- Sexual anxiety and disorders.
- Anxiety.
- Depression.
- Poor body image.
- Low self-esteem.
- Difficulty maintaining healthy relationships.
Childhood sex abuse can also lead to dangerous behaviors, including: (9)
- Drug abuse.
- Alcohol abuse.
- Self-mutilation.
- Bingeing and purging.
There is not just the initial physical violation with sexual abuse, there can also be lasting emotional trauma. Young people don’t know how to process what is happening to them — let alone know how to stand up to the people hurting them.
W&L Helps Young People Abused in NYC Schools
Weitz & Luxenberg attorneys believe our schools should be safe learning spaces. They must not be places where educators can abuse their authority by engaging in inappropriate communication and physically assaulting our young people.
W&L intends to investigate these claims fully and hold the offending parties accountable by filing sexting lawsuits. This is where the team at W&L can help you. We can provide support to young people and their families by offering legal guidance.
Call us if you — or a member of your family — was 16 years of age or younger and experienced sexual or sexting abuse while attending an NYC school. W&L has helped victims of abuse by recovering millions of dollars on their behalf. We encourage you to reach out to us.
Feel welcome to call us at (917) LAWYERS or fill out the online form. Get a free consultation to explore your legal options.
