Bullied to Death: Jon Carmichael

 

I didn't personally know Jon Carmichael, but his story is becoming all too familiar.

What Jon experienced should not be considered a rite of passage or in the realm of normal adolescent behavior. Bullies pushed Jon to take his own life. 

Jon was small for his age and subsequently became a target of bullying. He grew up in Joshua, Texas. Friends of Jon admitted larger students bullied him for years. Those same friends indicated school staff members were aware of the behavior. School officials have acknowledged one incident in which students stuffed Jon in a school garbage can.

In March 2010, Jon hung himself in a barn near his home. 

I want to share with you what one of Jon's friends recently posted about this video: 

Jon Was My Bestfriend, Still Is, I Watch His Videos Cause They Remind Me Of Him, Give Me A Since Of Security That He IS Still Here, But He Is Watching Over Us, I Know He Is... R.I.P JON :"(

Common sense solutions to address bullying can be found in Senate Bill 245 by Senator Wendy Davis of Fort Worth.  SB 245 has been referred to the Senate Committee on Education. This bill would amend the Education Code to develop policies and programs to prevent bullying, including cyberbullying, provides for parental notification and the ability to transfer a bully to another classroom, and provides for broader accountability within school districts.

Click here for more information about SB 245.  

On the EQTX website, you can track the progress of a number of bills that have been filed to bring more inclusive policies to Texans. Click here for our Daily Bill Tracking Report.  

Finally, come to Austin on March 7th for Lobby Day and have face-to-face conversations with those elected to represent you. Click here for more information and to register for Lobby Day or visit www.EQTXLobbyDay.com 

Posted by Andres Araiza
EQTX Communications Strategist 
Andres@equalitytexas.org 

Comments

[bullying at school]

Hi,

Thanks to share useful information.....

Thanks,