“My daughter should feel safe,” said Diana, a Wakefield, Massachusetts mother who recently filed a complaint with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Her 12-year-old daughter, a sixth-grade student at Galvin Middle School, is reportedly afraid to attend school after months of persistent bullying and threats directed at her.
Allegations of Verbal and Digital Harassment
According to Diana, the harassment began when her daughter was in the fifth grade and has continued into the current school year. The mother reported that her daughter has been subjected to derogatory name-calling and severe threats, including a classmate telling the girl she should kill herself. Diana stated that she also received threats involving violence against her and her daughter.
The intimidation has extended beyond in-person interactions. The 12-year-old has received text messages from an unknown account containing phrases such as “no one likes you” and “I hope you drown yourself.”
Administrators Investigate Problematic Messages as Mother Demands Stricter Measures
School administrators have acknowledged the situation in communication with Diana. The principal informed her that an investigation was conducted, confirming the existence of “problematic messages” on a male classmate’s phone, and stated that the school “responded according to our disciplinary rubric.” Additionally, the vice principal noted that the school was dealing with the students responsible for the behavior.
While the school moved the student allegedly responsible for the messages out of the girl’s classes, Diana contends that these measures are insufficient. She reported that the student still shares a lunch period with her daughter and recently mocked the girl and threw food at her. Diana expressed her frustration, stating, “They don’t give these students consequences, you know, and I agree with her.”
Furthermore, Diana alleged that school officials have suggested her complaints are motivated by race. She maintains that all incidents are documented and that her primary goal is for the bullying to cease. While the Wakefield schools superintendent did not respond to requests for an interview, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education confirmed that the mother’s complaint is currently under review.
