Bullying has become an all too familiar epidemic in our country. Every week, there is a new story in the news regarding bullying. (You can view my son’s story here: https://www.abc10.com/mobile/article/news/local/elk-grove-mom-writes-open-letter-to-her-sons-bully/499070575; You can view Cameron’s Story here: https://www.abc10.com/mobile/article/news/local/elk-grove/florin-high-teen-suspended-for-fighting-back-against-bullies-mom-says/591001357

While our school district, Elk Grove Unified, has implemented PBIS programs, held many anti bullying assemblies, and slapped “no bully zone” banners all over their schools, the problem still remains. They are introducing in the coming months an anonymous online bullying reporting system, which is also a great step. But it’s not enough. Part of the problem is not only how bullying is handled, but how the victims are also punished for defending themselves, if needed. 

Children like my son and Cameron are being suspended for what the district calls “mutual combat”. They expect your child, when being physically assaulted by another child, to not hit back. They are expected to walk away and find an adult. That is not always possible.

In Cameron’s case, he had two other older kids attack him first. Cameron is physically disabled, as his left arm is paralyzed. He was taken down to the ground and beaten, and suffered a concussion. Yet he received the same suspension as his attackers. 

My son was attacked by another student IN THE CLASSROOM. The other student jumped over 3 desks and started hitting him. My son blocked the punches, and after telling the kid repeatedly to stop, finally hit back. And he got suspended one day less than his attacker. 

Mutual combat. This is not accurate, not right, and not fair. We are not enabling our children to stand up for themselves! We are constantly told to empower our children, to teach them independence, to help them help themselves. Yet in the same breath, this policy is telling our kids to cower down and either take the beating, as they can’t always get away to find an adult. These blanket, “one size fits all” type of policies are hurting our children. Children as young as 9 are taking their own lives due to bullying. When will it end? 

By signing this petition, you are saying enough is enough! You are standing up for all the kids who aren’t just victimized by bullying, but further victimized by a system that does not have all children’s best interests at heart. You are standing up to the administrators who continually sweep instances of bullying under the rug instead of digging deeper. You’re saying no more to “no contact contacts” and “mediation” as their go-to way of solving the problem, when it’s just a bandaid solution. 

If you are angry, fed up, tired, and have had ENOUGH, please sign today. I plan on taking all signatures to the California Department of Education, to show them how many parents in this state, and this country, have had ENOUGH.