Bucks County's Pennridge School District facing civil rights violation complaint

PERKASIE, Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- The Pennridge School District in Bucks County, Pennsylvania is facing a federal complaint accused of civil rights violations.

Several families say the district is failing to protect children of color and LGBTQ+ students from harassment and discrimination.

Advocates say the complaint is based on the experiences of several students.

It was filed with the Office of Civil Rights in the US Department of Education and the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division.

Those who filed it demand the district directly address race and sex-based harassment and bullying.

The school district released this statement to Action News:

"The Pennridge School District has received the complaint filed with the Department of Education and Department of Justice. The District intends to review the complaint thoroughly and seek meaningful engagement with both the Department of Education and the Department of Justice. As it is a matter of litigation involving students, the District is constrained from providing any additional comment."