Since autumn 2009, seven students have committed suicide in the Minesota school district. One of the five ex students suing the School District attempted suicide after years of bullying in and outside school. They logged a constant stream of incidents of verbal and physical abuse, of being urinated on, stabbed in the neck with pencils, slammed against walls, pushed into lockers, choked. Yet the school districts policy of restricting discussion about Lesbian and Gay issues meant there were no opportunities to address what was happening to students who were being relentless harrassed and bullied because of their actual or perceived sexuality. The appellants want this policy struck down and they seek compensation for the harm they suffered whilst supposedly in the care of the School District.
Of the five students; one identified as lesbian, one gay and one bisexual. The other two said they were subjected to slurs and attacks because they were perceived as gay; one for his personal tastes, the other because he has two fathers.
The policy was instituted in 2009 and specifically singled out lesbian and gay students. As a result the message went out that they would not be supported and became 'acceptable' bullying targets. We know how many students committed and attempted suicide, its not clear from the information I have been reading, how many children moved, dropped out or failed to achieve their academic potential in the wake of the relentless bullying they experienced. Incidents were reported and even witnessed by staff but no action was taken. In one instance a victim was told to "lay low".
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