Petition to Reopen and Investigate Eli Ballance’s Suicide Due to Bullying

To: [Relevant Law Enforcement Agency or Authority]

Subject: Demand for Reopening and Independent Investigation of Eli Ballance’s Suicide Case

We, the undersigned, are deeply grieved by the tragic suicide of Eli Ballance. We believe that the circumstances leading to his death necessitate a thorough and independent investigation. We seek justice for Eli and accountability for those who failed to protect him.

Our demands are as follows:

Reopening and Independent Investigation:

We call for Eli Ballance’s suicide case with Okmulgee County to be reopened and thoroughly investigated by an independent law enforcement agency, distinct from those originally involved, to ensure impartiality and justice.

Legal Accountability for the Perpetrator:

The individual who broke Eli's hand on the school bus must be held legally accountable by the Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs (OJA) and/or the tribe. Immediate action is necessary to address this violent behavior.

Investigation and Accountability for the Superintendent Gary McElroy:

The superintendent Gary McElroy, who allowed Eli to be bullied by both peers and staff, must be investigated and held accountable. Despite claims of ignorance, evidence indicates that he was aware of the ongoing bullying and failed to take action, contributing to Eli’s suffering and death.

Accountability for School Staff:

The staff members at Twin Hills School who bullied Eli must face appropriate consequences for their actions. Their behavior was unprofessional and created a hostile and unsafe environment for Eli.

Investigation of Twin Hills School:

A comprehensive investigation into Twin Hills School is necessary to uncover systemic issues that allowed such severe bullying to occur. Policies and practices must be scrutinized and reformed.

Consequences for the Perpetrators and Their Parents:

The three individuals who tormented Eli for years must be held accountable, along with their parents. Despite Eli’s tragic death, these individuals continue to bully other children and participate in school sports and extracurricular activities without facing consequences. This must be addressed immediately.

We demand:

Immediate actions to address the systemic issues within Twin Hills School that enabled such severe bullying.
Implementation of stricter anti-bullying policies and robust support systems for victims of bullying.Transparent communication with the community regarding the steps being taken to address these issues and ensure accountability.

Justice for Eli Ballance is not only about holding those responsible accountable but also about preventing any other child from suffering in the same way. We urge the relevant authorities to take our demands seriously and act swiftly to provide justice for Eli and protect other children from similar harm.

Signatures:

Kalah Ballance