Hello, my name is Anna Khomuk. I’m a single parent, and you may have seen my son Deemitri and me on NBC News yesterday. Let me be clear—this wasn’t an attack. This was a cry for help. A cry from a mother who is absolutely exhausted.

I’m exhausted from being ignored. Exhausted from filing HIB reports that lead nowhere. Exhausted from a school system that keeps brushing off my son’s pain like it’s a minor inconvenience. The tragedy at Thomas Jefferson Middle School (TJMS) is not an isolated issue but symptomatic of a broader negligence towards the safety and well-being of our children in Fair Lawn, NJ.

My son Deemitri suffered a head concussion outside of the school premises and has been continually bullied with absolutely no accountability or intervention from the school. Despite countless reports and pleas, my cries have been met with deafening silence. And let me assure you, my son is not the only one. Many silenced children are trapped in similar situations, their voices muffled and their experiences invalidated.

As a mother, my greatest concern is the safety and well-being of my child. When a child leaves for school, they should feel protected, nurtured, and listened to, not bruised, defeated, and ignored. The prevailing indifference from educational authorities not only ignites fear but erodes trust. Most of the teachers have been bullying too and this needs to be held accountable 

This petition calls for immediate and sweeping reform in how TJMS handles bullying and trauma. I am seeking accountability and protective measures to ensure no child has to endure what my son has gone through. Furthermore, I demand the transfer of my son out of this toxic environment as I have lost all confidence in the school's ability to provide a safe space for its students.

The school leadership must implement effective anti-bullying policies, train educators in handling such situations with proper sensitivity and urgency, and build a supportive infrastructure where children can report abuse without fear. I wish to remove my son from this school. Please save my son and help me make change

Please sign this petition if you believe in securing a safe and accountable educational experience for our children in Fair Lawn, NJ. Let's put an end to negligence and make sure every child's voice is heard and respected. Stand with us to demand action and create a nurturing environment for all students.

Your signature is a step towards change.

Video for back story: https://youtu.be/7hvlFXkWTjY?si=vTmvLOCqo3ucQB2R