The thing that stuck with me the most after watching the horrific video of two teens bullying a 10-year-old special needs boy on the school bus was the way he screamed. I can't even imagine what the little Cequan Haskins went through at the hands of the two sadistic kids who tormented him for 40 minutes. Why would they do something like that? What has happened to our children who seem to have trouble showing compassion?
Although the incident took place in May of 2011, Roxanne Haskins, the little boy's mom, just released the video which shows her son was both verbally–including name calling, racial and sexual slurs–and physically abused to show others what bullying really looks like.
This is what she told those in attendance at a press conference on Friday:
I wanted parents to be aware, that when I speak out, I'm speaking out for all kids. But unfortunately, this did happen to my child, and I want parents to be aware of what's going on in the school system.
And she's totally right. My biggest question after watching the video was how something like this was allowed to go on for so long? I mean, where was the bus driver? She surely saw or heard what was going on, don't you think? In fact, she did and, in the video, Nancy Davis can be heard saying, "Ugh, anything to get him quiet! I've got to drive this bus." And yet, Davis was acquitted of all charges in her recent child neglect trial.
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Luckily, the two teens involved were found guilty of disorderly conduct and assault and battery, back in 2011. Haskins is currently awaiting a date for her civil case against the Appomattox County School Board.
In the meantime, her son Cequan has received hours of therapy and been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. The poor child! While difficult to watch, I hope a lot of people do, so they can open their eyes to this new and unacceptable reality.
Embedded content: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZsZ6shYG4I&feature=player_embedded
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Image via YouTube
