Westwood School District Sued Over Alleged Bullying Of Muslim Student

WESTWOOD, NJ (CBSNewYork) - The family of a 13-year-old student has sued the Westwood school district, saying their son was bullied because of his Muslim background and the district failed to stop it.

WCBS 880's Marla Diamond On The Story

Muhammed Mushin was beaten right outside the principal's office and called names by his classmates, attorney Silvana Raso told WCBS 880 reporter Marla Diamond. Raso is representing Mushin's family.

Raso told Diamond the parents have been reporting the conduct to the schools for the last four years, but whatever the school district has done is not enough.

Raso said Mushin was called "terrorist" and "America hater" and others have said he sleeps with an AK-47. Raso also said that when Mushin returned from vacations, he was asked if he was at a terrorist training camp.

Westwood Regional Middle School Principal Charles Seipp told Diamond he cannot discuss Mushin's case, but called their anti-bullying policy very aggressive.

"We run multiple programs for parents and training for staff as well," he said. "Investigations start immediately. As soon the investigation gets wrapped up, we move forward right away with interventions."

New Jersey has one of the strictest anti-bullying policy in the nation, and lawsuits against its schools have become more common, Diamond reported.

Do you feel your children are safe from bullying in New Jersey's schools? Sound off in the comments section below!