I am writing this petition with a heavy heart and a hope that no other parent will have to endure the pain that my family and I have suffered over the past few years. My beloved daughter, whose vibrant spirit was dimmed by relentless bullying at her school, took her own life. This tragic and unnecessary loss has spurred me to take a stand and demand change.

Bullying is not just a series of isolated incidents; it is a pervasive epidemic that is costing us our youth. Statistics show that approximately 20% of students ages 12-18 experience bullying nationwide. Another alarming statistic reveals that students who experience bullying are 2 to 9 times more likely to consider committing suicide (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). These numbers are not just numbers; they were my daughter’s reality and the reality of so many other children.

The lack of accountability and action from schools and parents when it comes to bullying is unacceptable. Schools are meant to be a safe haven, places of learning and growth, not environments where children dread going each day. Parents, too, have a crucial role in shaping their children's behavior and ensuring their actions do not harm others. Despite this, there are minimal repercussions for those who foster environments where bullying thrives.

This petition calls for a comprehensive legal framework that mandates accountability for schools and parents in cases of bullying. Schools should be required to have detailed anti-bullying policies in place, ensure staff receive proper training to handle bullying incidents, and facilitate communication channels for students who fear reprisal. Furthermore, schools should face sanctions if they neglect to protect students adequately.

On the other hand, parents must be engaged and held responsible if their child is a repeat bully. This can be enforced through compulsory programs that educate and bring awareness about the impact of bullying.

The change starts with us. By signing this petition, you are demanding legislative action to prevent further tragedies like the one that took my daughter. Your support will help create an environment where children can grow up free from fear, and where educational institutions and families work together to foster respect and understanding.

We, the undersigned, stand in full support of the creation and passage of Nah’Zia’s Law, a statewide anti-bullying initiative designed to protect children, empower parents, and hold schools—and parents—accountable for preventing and respBullying is not “kids being kids.” It is a serious issue that leads to trauma, violence, educational disruption, declining mental health, and in the worst cases, the loss of a child’s life. Families across our state have reported repeated bullying incidents that were ignored, dismissed, or poorly handled. This must change—at every level.

Nah’Zia’s Law seeks to:

-Require schools to take all bullying reports seriously and document every incident.

-Enforce timely investigations and mandatory follow-up communication with parents.

-Establish intervention plans and protective measures for targeted students.

-Implement clear, escalating consequences for students who bully.

-Hold parents of bullies accountable when repeated behaviors are ignored, encouraged, or not addressed at home. This may include mandated parenting classes, counseling participation, required meetings, or consequences for failing to cooperate with intervention plans.

-Require annual training for teachers, administrators, and school staff on bullying prevention and trauma-informed response.

-Strengthen communication between parents, schools, and community resources.

-Encourage early intervention before violence escalates or a child’s life is put at risk.

We believe every child deserves safety, dignity, and protection—at school, online, and in their communities. Parents of bullied children should not have to fight alone, and parents of students who bully must also take responsibility for correcting harmful behavior.

By signing this petition, we are calling on state lawmakers to take immediate action to pass Nah’Zia’s Law and make our schools safer for all children.

We stand with Nah’Zia.

We stand with every child who has been bullied, unheard, or unprotected.

We demand change, accountability, and prevention.

It is time for Nah’Zia’s Law.