My daughter has been subjected to escalating amounts of violence and bullying at Mt Nebo Middle School, from attempts to pants being pulled down by boys, and even terrifying incidents involving a firearm, all within the supposed safety of her school. Cornered in Santaquin Elementary school she attended and threatened by a group of girls who said she shouldn't be alive . This has got to end. We, as tax-paying citizens, rightfully seek a safe public education for our children; this is both our demand and our right.

The local school district has policies against bullying. However, these policies are as good as non-existent if not enforced and held to. We demand that the district and school board not only enforce these anti-bullying policies strictly but also hold those involved — both bullies and their parents — accountable for such damaging behavior. According to the National Center for Education Statistics and Bureau of Justice, about 20% of students aged 12-18 experienced bullying nationwide in 2017. If schools do not address these issues, they run the risk of becoming part of these dreary statistics.

Furthermore, we must address the heavy penalties meted out to children who resort to self-defense. It is fundamentally unfair, and the policy must be revised to consider such scenarios. It is not punitive measures we seek for self-defense, but an understanding of the circumstances leading to such situations.

We, the local community and parents, do not want to allow the continuation of an environment which prioritizes policy over safety, and optics over the well-being of our children. We must enact the much-needed changes for the future of our children's education and their well-being.

We have been notified that this has been an ongoing issue for many families in this area, and invite you to share your story to add to the petition. Enough is enough. 

Please, support this petition for the sake of our children in Nebo, for their security and education, and for a promise of their brighter future. Sign this petition now.