How would you react if your child suddenly didn’t want to attend school?
While some parents might assume their kids are merely distracted or feeling lethargic, often, the underlying reason is far more serious.
Harassment and bullying are rampant issues in the U.S.
Shockingly, 1 out of every 5 school-going children face some form of bullying from their peers.
The most impactful voices against this cruelty come from the young victims themselves.
Delanie Marcotte is one such brave soul who decided to confront this issue head-on.
At a Timberlane School Board Meeting, where educators, parents, and the academic community had gathered to discuss this pressing issue, Delanie, a fifth-grader, took an unexpected step.
She confidently approached the podium, ready to share her story.
Interestingly, Delanie wasn’t the original speaker for the day.
Her father, Todd, had intended to address the gathering.
However, as he was about to step up, Delanie inquired about his intentions.
When he explained, she simply asked, “Can I go?”
Recognizing the gravity of the moment, Todd allowed his daughter to take the lead.
From her seat, Delanie recounted her harrowing experiences at school, leaving many in the room deeply moved.
She bravely disclosed,
“I have been threatened to get shot in the head with an AK-47 and buried in my backyard and many other things.”
She then posed a poignant question,
“What are you going to do to protect me and my classmates against bullying?”
Delanie further revealed the verbal and physical threats she faced daily, such as name-calling and the risk of being physically harmed.
Fighting back tears, she emphasized that her words represented the silent cries of many other children.
Her heartfelt speech was met with a resounding applause from everyone present.
The young girl’s courage left a lasting impression, especially on her parents, who couldn’t have been prouder.
A board member also expressed immense pride in Delanie’s bravery.
In a subsequent interview with CBS affiliate WBZ, Delanie expressed her satisfaction in speaking out in her own words.
She voiced her hope for significant reforms in schools to combat bullying.
“I’m happy because I spoke for myself in my own words and I hope it does change because it just needs to stop.”
Alarmingly, statistics reveal that 20% of students between the ages of 12-18 have faced similar ordeals.
Schools, which should be safe havens, have unfortunately become major bullying hotspots.
Notably, half of these victims have reported the incidents to adults.
The most vulnerable targets often include immigrants and those from lower economic backgrounds.
Delanie’s story serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need for collective action against bullying.
It underscores the profound impact such actions have on young lives and the importance of standing up against such injustices.
Watch the video below to see the courageous 11-year-old take the mic at the school board meeting!
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
Source: YouTube – Inside Edition, Good Morning America, CBS, Stop Bullying
