Case tests whether districts must protect students from bullying under Pa. law

"A favorable court ruling would require Philadelphia, and other districts, “to really sit down and actually address its policy in a really serious way,” said Golembiewski — “something it really hasn’t done as long as I’ve been around and hearing about kids’ experiences.”

Other states, such as Arizona and New Jersey, have adopted clear laws to protect children in these circumstances, while Pennsylvania has yet to do so outright, said Golembiewski.

Local advocacy law firms — including the Education Law Center, Public Interest Law Center, Juvenile Law Center, and PA Disability Rights — have filed briefs in support of the appeal."