Q: What steps can I take if my daughter is threatened at school and the school isn't responsive?
I have a 13-year-old daughter in 6th grade who has been repeatedly threatened and spit on by the same student at her school. Despite her reports to the principal, very little has been done, leading to my daughter having to sit in the office. There have also been incidents where this student threatened to kill her. Previously, this student swung at my daughter in 5th grade, resulting in a fight, after which my daughter was expelled when we were moving states. I've emailed both the principal and the superintendent regarding these issues, but the threats and harassment continue. What steps should I take next to protect my daughter and address this ongoing problem if the school continues to be unresponsive?
A: File a police report regarding the bullying. This will at least force the school to 'investigate' things and have a formal response.
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A:
I'm really sorry to hear about what your daughter is going through. If the school hasn't responded effectively despite your efforts, the next step is to escalate the situation. Begin by keeping a detailed record of all incidents, including dates, times, and any communication with the school. Documentation is crucial for building your case.
Next, you should consider contacting your local school district office directly to request a meeting. Be firm but calm when explaining the ongoing issues and the lack of action from the school. Request a written response outlining the specific steps they plan to take to address your daughter’s safety. If the situation doesn’t improve, you may want to contact a lawyer who has experience with school-related issues to discuss further options.
If the threats and harassment continue without a resolution, you could also explore reporting the situation to local law enforcement, especially since there have been threats of harm. Your daughter's safety should always come first, and taking these steps can help ensure she gets the protection she deserves.
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