It's a known fact, for those who pay attention to these kinds of things, that when it comes to court cases, it doesn't matter what the facts are. What matters is what can be proven. A jury in Maryland ruled in favor of the school and school administrators in a high-profile bullying case of a 10-year-old special needs student. In so doing, they cited that there wasn't enough evidence to support the claims of negligence on the administrators' parts. Shame. Shame. Shame.
So, what's the lesson learned in this case? Most importantly is that it really doesn't matter what the facts are, only what can be proven. (just ask O.J. Simpson. I'm sure he'd agree.) So, with that said, know that if you're ever faced with a similar situation, document EVERYTHING! Take pictures. Take videos, if possible. Write, and sign, notes! Keep a log of all phone calls. Keep a log of the responses you get during these phone calls. Leave no stone unturned. See, Ed and Shawna Sullivan didn't do this. They didn't understand the significance of having solid proof. They didn't understand the ramifications of NOT doing so. They thought their word would be enough. They were wrong. And, now, because they didn't know, they will have the task of telling their 10-year-old son that the school administrators got away with not protecting him better. He won't understand. He's 10.
In a sense, the 10-year-old boy got bullied again yesterday by the legal system. Or, was he victimized by parents who didn't understand how the system works. As a 10-year-old, what he understands most is that he, and they, lost.
Friday, December 23, 2011
More on Colton Wilson
Police are still investigating the death of Colton Wilson. His family is saying "it was an accident". Bottom line here is that another young life has ended prematurely.
Rumors of bullycide started circulating almost immediately. The truth is not every teen suicide is the result of bullying. Take Jamie Hubley, for example. Yes, he was bullied, and at least one time severely. However, it wasn't bullying that led Jamie to take his own life. It was depression. A very deep depression.
By all accounts, young Colton wasn't the type who would "...allow himself to be bullied", which I read as saying he had a little bit of spunk to him. Actually, that was refreshing to read. Colton was a baseball player, a wrestler, a NASCAR enthusiast. I read that as him being a bit scrappy...hardly the type who would be bullied. Yet, something terrible happened. Now, he's gone. Now, with Christmas just 2 days away, Colton's family, including his twin brother, and friends are left to sort through this and try to carry on without him.
One heartwarming story is emerging from Colton's death. His organs have been removed and are helping other young people to live. When I suffered the loss of my dear friend so many years ago, we all were able to take solace in the fact that his death had helped others live. Hopefully, the same will be true for Colton's family and friends.
Colton Wilson's family needs help with the funeral and burial costs. At the bottom of the article, click the link, there's information on how you can contribute. Christmas is the time for giving. I can't think of a better gift to give at this moment.
Rumors of bullycide started circulating almost immediately. The truth is not every teen suicide is the result of bullying. Take Jamie Hubley, for example. Yes, he was bullied, and at least one time severely. However, it wasn't bullying that led Jamie to take his own life. It was depression. A very deep depression.
By all accounts, young Colton wasn't the type who would "...allow himself to be bullied", which I read as saying he had a little bit of spunk to him. Actually, that was refreshing to read. Colton was a baseball player, a wrestler, a NASCAR enthusiast. I read that as him being a bit scrappy...hardly the type who would be bullied. Yet, something terrible happened. Now, he's gone. Now, with Christmas just 2 days away, Colton's family, including his twin brother, and friends are left to sort through this and try to carry on without him.
One heartwarming story is emerging from Colton's death. His organs have been removed and are helping other young people to live. When I suffered the loss of my dear friend so many years ago, we all were able to take solace in the fact that his death had helped others live. Hopefully, the same will be true for Colton's family and friends.
Colton Wilson's family needs help with the funeral and burial costs. At the bottom of the article, click the link, there's information on how you can contribute. Christmas is the time for giving. I can't think of a better gift to give at this moment.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)