School Bullying 3/7/08 (Update II)

[Emjay]

Thank You again for all the love and support!

For those that have not been following you can view my bully posts here: School Bullies & Update I

I wish I had good news to report and that DD's innocence has prevailed but unfortunately this is not the case. Our appeal was denied. Her consequences are to be upheld.

I'm trying to really understand the school's point of view but no matter how hard I try, I just can't see it. The meeting got off on bad footing.

First of all the superintendent himself was not present. Why? Why would the head man himself not be present for something as important as my daughter's future? Only the school's two assistant superintendents were the ones present.

Mr. P conducted the meeting with very little input being said from Mr. R. I was first informed that it is their opinion that DD instigated the physical altercation and was the first to throw a punch. I knew right at that moment there wasn't any hope to be had.

Considering my experiences working in the courts, my daughter is fully aware of the legalities and ramifications of falsifying information in a document. I have ZERO doubt in my daughter and her abilities to recall the events that took place and I'm confident that the police report she wrote out is her truth. I believe in her.

After insisting they speak to DD, they did give her an opportunity to tell her side of the story albeit it was futile. They didn’t take time to discuss with each other the information DD stated, nothing, before rendering their decision. It confirms that the decision had been made and nothing we said would change it.

I just don’t understand how school can make claim that she instigated an altercation of 1 vs. 6 and of course, due to confidentiality, I’m not permitted to see any documentation to back up their claim.

I mentioned the name of an innocent witness that potentially saw the altercation; they seemed surprised to have that information which again tells me they have not thoroughly investigated this situation which they carelessly have ruled on.

What kind of investigation has been done? It’s at the end of the business hours and DD has YET to be called to talk with the school’s police officer. How can an investigation be done if the victim hasn’t been interviewed?

I was informed that the appeal stops here. You cannot appeal to the school board directly for suspension days of 10 or less. What kind of hockey is that? The school stands on their policy and in their view DD violated that policy.

My heart broke into a million pieces for her. If you could have seen the devastation in her face and how uncontrollably she was sobbing, you would know how wounded she is from all of this.

We’re working with a few people to arrange media, working on letters to our representatives, and anything else that may benefit.

 

I have a distraught 14 year old whose self esteem has been diminished and I can’t fix it.

 

Where do we go from here?

Tags: abuse, bully, bullying, child, daughter, education, family, law, protect, relationships, school, teenagers, teens

Add A Comment

[Allana]

Mar. 7, 2008 at 7:03 PM

Hugs!  Show them Cafe Mom!  Let them know that you are not alone in this, lots of moms are watching them!!

Hugs to you and your daughter.

 

[bishop96]

Mar. 7, 2008 at 7:05 PM I'm sorry you and your daughter are going through this....it sounds completely unfair....that they wouldn't even listen to her and why she wasn't interviewed. I would try to take it to the press. Honestly, it's one of the reasons we homeschool....there is just too much politics in the schools.....

[proud2Bmomma]

Mar. 7, 2008 at 7:10 PM Can you not pull her out of this school?  (I'll admit I have not kept up so if you have already addressed this, I'm really sorry.)

[mom2sierrarose]

Mar. 7, 2008 at 7:12 PM I am so sorry ((((((((((BIGGEST HUGS)))))))))))) I can not believe she is going through this, and I think it is plain ridiculous they denied the appeal! Please remember I am here if you need to talk

[cheaperbydozen]

Mar. 7, 2008 at 7:33 PM I am SO VERY SORRY that you and your daughter are having to go thru this ~ another case of "THE SYSTEM" letting the victim down!!  Boy this just burns my butt!  I hope all your efforts make some difference.  Keep us posted :)

[JRHatto]

Mar. 7, 2008 at 8:52 PM I am so sorry to read all of this, and can't believe how the adults are treating an innocent child. That is just plain wrong. I hope you can find a way to help her get past this and that something good can come from it.

[Jillysmom]

Mar. 7, 2008 at 9:32 PM This just pissing me off. And they wonder why the victims dont come forward, HELLO!!! They are making her out to be the bad guy. I wish I lived closer, I would be down there fighting with you. Do you have alot of town support? I would try a rally. Its so sad. Is it possible to switch her to another school, but that might not be an answer either. Tell her to keep her head high, she did NOTHING wrong. It is the system that is wrong.

[mshaiku]

Mar. 7, 2008 at 10:26 PM I have no words of wisdom. The hard reality is that life is not fair. Anger at injustices is a double edged sword. It provides initiative, energy and determination to stand up for yourself and what is right, but it can also be extremely harmful to the psyche and health as it eats away at you. Only you and your daughter can determine if you want to continue this particular battle. Hugs to you both.

[MichelleK41]

Mar. 7, 2008 at 11:47 PM I 100% back you and will do whatever it takes to help you through this!!  That is definitely a failing school system. :(

[Lovelylis]

Mar. 8, 2008 at 7:56 AM i feel for your DD...school systems definately need to step up their investigative skills thats for sure!!  it not only happens in your system but in just about every school system across the country:(  you have my full support in this..if you need to talk, PM me and i am there for you:)