Letter: Bullying in our schools is harming children

For more than 25 years I have heard from hundreds of children, youth and parents how bullying in our schools is harming our children emotionally.

Bullying is not just a child and/or youth issue. Some teachers, counselors and other school staff bully children as well. I have witnessed it numerous times. Couple the bullying with learning disabilities and/or mental health issues, it is no wonder so many of our children are facing insurmountable odds at school.

Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a free and appropriate education consists of regular or special education and related aids and services designed to meet the student's individual educational needs. I have witnessed dozens of times how some area schools ignore or refuse to implement individual and 504 plans, to the detriment of a child. It is no wonder why children act out and decompensate.

I don’t know why schools get away with ignoring a federal law. I often wish a class-action lawsuit would challenge this abhorrent dereliction of duty.

Parents, stand up and be heard.

This story was originally published April 30, 2016 at 6:24 PM with the headline "Letter: Bullying in our schools is harming children."