Former Student Brings New Abuse Claim Against North Jersey Catholic High School

A former student filed a sexual abuse complaint against a northern New Jersey Catholic high school and the Archdiocese of Newark, the second such instance in weeks.

The Bergen County Superior Court complaint was filed by a New York man. He claims he was sexually abused at Paramus Catholic High School almost 40 years ago. The complaint alleges that Bernard Garris, a teacher and athletic coach, abused students on school grounds.

The suit alleges that Garris sexually abused many youngsters at the school. It indicates that Garris was fired in 1987 for physically abusing students, not sexual wrongdoing. Proper action early could have prevented harm, according to the lawsuit.

Another former student sued less than a month before. This December 2025 Essex County complaint accuses Garris and another gym teacher, Don Ernst, of sexually abusing a 14- to 17-year-old student in the 1980s. Ernst and Garris died.

In the current case, the plaintiff claims the Archdiocese of Newark, Paramus Catholic High School, and Christian Brothers organization failed to protect children. These institutions knew Garris was a danger to youngsters but did not stop the abuse, according to the complaint. Failure to warn, negligent hiring and supervision, and emotional anguish are the legal claims.

The earlier lawsuit depicted the victim as a devout kid who was pressured not to report the assault. The complaint alleges that the student’s faith and confidence in church authorities led to years of quiet, a trend documented in numerous national abuse cases.

A representative for the Archdiocese of Newark said it does not discuss ongoing litigation. The latest lawsuit has received no additional public response.

Recent public emphasis has focused on religious institution accountability and the long-term effects of abuse on survivors. When suspected victims are young and authority people are involved, legal experts say delayed reporting is typical.

As litigation progresses, courts will decide claim merits. For now, the lawsuits join a rising number of cases addressing decades-old charges, underscoring the long-term effects of abuse and institutional accountability.

Sources:
Superior Court of New Jersey
Archdiocese of Newark official statements