JUSTICE FOR PHOEBE
America the beautiful is suffering from school bullying. 15-year-old Irish girl named Phoebe Nora Mary and her family came from the Isle of Ireland looking for a better life in this country. She enrolled at South Hadley Massachusetts High School in the fall. Phoebe was quite happy walking down the school halls until some girl students pushed her into the walls. They flung all sorts of things including scribbling her face all over the place.
Pretty Phoebe was tormented, abused and allegedly date raped. She started to receive harassing, threatening text messages and cyber-bullying. A young Irish teen in distress, Phoebe Prince was bullied to death. Phoebe committed suicide on January 14, 2010 when she was found hanging in her parents’ home closet obviously looking to get away from the intolerable gang bullying. School bullying usually stems from jealousy leading to animosity and criminal activity. A bully tries to browbeat the weak.
The District Attorney speaks out with a list of criminal charges stating her investigation revealed that some students, teachers, numerous staff and faculty members knew about the relentless bullying and did absolutely nothing. These school officials are still being investigated for their troublesome behavior.
South Hadley High School quickly enforced a new bullying policy after an extensive criminal investigation. The school board takes disciplinary action. Two students are suspended and several students will not be returning to classes.
Nine students have been accused and indicted by a grand jury on violation of civil rights, criminal harassment, stalking and disturbing a school assembly. Three younger girls face charges of delinquency. The bullies are innocent until proven guilty. Two male students are charged with statutory rape and bodily injury and could face jail time without bail. Three other students have been charged with assault and using a dangerous weapon. Parents are afraid to send their children off to school for fear of being bullied.
Five teens from Salem, New Hampshire were charged in a copycat Phoebe bullying attack. They allegedly abused and harassed a 16-year-old girl student who eventually admitted herself to a mental health facility.
Four of the teens face juvenile court proceedings while Richard Lovette who is 17, the fifth student culprit went to the police and was released on $300 bail bond avoiding jail. He faces an arraignment court hearing.
The wicked “South Hadley Six” student teens will stand trial as adults in 2011 facing charges ranging from statutory rape, criminal harassment. assault with a deadly weapon to delinquency.
Five teens have agreed to plea guilty to bullying in the Phoebe Prince January hanging. Two Massachusetts teens who are both eighteen, in particular Sean Mulveyhill captain of the school football team provoked the girls to harass Phoebe after he dumped her and student Kayla Narey were sentenced at a May 4, 2011 hearing to one-year probation for bullying Phoebe. Three other teens are expected to accept similar plea deals at a May 5th juvenile hearing. Phoebe’s distraught mother, Anne O’Brien who spoke out in an interview with CNN’s Piers Morgan approved all plea arrangements at the Massachusetts Hampshire Superior Court.
This could have happened to your son or daughter. Crime, violence and disorder have become major issues in our schools. It’s a known fact that obese kids are attacked by bullies.
On April 29, 2010, Massachusetts Legislature approves anti-bullying law mandating all school principals report bullies that commit criminal activity.
On June 23, 2010 New York State Senate by an overwhelming majority passes bill protecting students from bullying ending discrimination and harassment in schools “The Dignity for all Students Act.”
On December 28, 2011 Phoebe’s parents settle litigation suit for $225,000 against school district.
Teen bullying can turn into a suicidal tragedy. The one thing to remember is “Life Gets Better.”
* * * * * *
© Copyright 2011 – 2012
Lyrics created by (Francke) the Yankee
All Rights Reserved
www.stopbullyingspeakup.com
www.stopbullying.gov
May 13, 2013 – Florida Judge Henry Davis bans 14-year-old girl bully from attending every Duval County public school. Appellate court judge puts stay on decision stating that Judge Davis cannot ban her from every public school in the district even if she poses a serious danger to others.
February 28, 2013 – “The Bully Effect an Anderson Cooper Special” highlighting the journeys of a bullied child, a grieving parent, a victim of violence and a filmmaker turned activist airing Thursday, February 28th at 10 pm et and will re-air Sunday, March 3rd at 8 pm and on Saturday, March 9th at 8 pm.
June 30, 2012 – “Mean Girls Aren’t Cool” (Female Bullying Prevention Program)
June 22, 2012 – Online outrage and sympathy together with donations amounting to over $650,000 has now been raised for 68-year-old bullied bus monitor Karen Klein from Rochester, NY after a 10-minute cellphone video went viral showing a group of seventh grade boys on a school bus brutally mocking with profane language and relentless taunting this woman about her weight, hearing aid and sweat glands. Two of the boys have apologized. Ms. Klein does not want to press criminal charges against the boys who are 12 and 13 years old, but she is hoping they will not be allowed to ride the school bus for at least a year. School officials have received thousands of calls and emails from people all over the world expressing dismay over the incident. Local officials are planning a gathering Saturday, June 23rd to show support for her and to publicly take a stand against bullying. On June 29th the families of four boys who are seventh-grade students from the Greece Central School District in upstate New York waived their right to a hearing and agreed to “50 hours of community service, bullying prevention program with one-year suspension from school and regular bus transportation.” The students will be able to apply for readmission to their regular school if they stayed out of trouble for 30 weeks. Karen Klein has been offered a trip to Disney World by ABC’s parent company and Southwest Airlines offered to pay for the flight. Ms. Klein who met her benefactor said she wants to give the donations for research.
June 21, 2012 – NYS to pass first Cyber Bullying Law
May 1, 2012 – Georgia teenager and her family suing two classmates and their parents for cyberbullying after creating a cruel Facebook page in her name stating nasty things, school officials and authorities said the matter was out of their control since the cyberbullying was done off of school property. Her parents went into Facebook page and saw insulting remarks of “Retardish” and false sexual exploits, links to racist videos on YouTube and implications of drug use. The family went to Cobb County Police to file an incident report. “Boston was advised to notify Facebook and request web page be shutdown.” Most states like Georgia have laws against cyber bullying, but most of them do not cover bullying off of school premises. After many dead ends, the family sought legal help and finally two Georgia attorneys decided to hear their story. Attorneys say the defendants who are under 16 will not be named in the lawsuit. They were served in April and have not yet responded to the suit. Georgia attorneys, Woodward and Stern have not heard from defendants’ parents or any attorney that may be representing them. Lawsuit claims defendants’ actions were “intentional and malicious” and were done for the purpose of causing Plaintiff to suffer humiliation, mental anguish, embarrassment, emotional and physical distress.” The suit claims defamation and libel for the false statements and use of their daughter’s identify for the page. The family is seeking a jury trial and punitive damages. In Georgia, plaintiffs do not determine amount of punitive damages. It is determined by the court. The phoney “Facebook” page stayed up for nearly a year. It wasn’t until a television appearance last week by the family that Facebook removed the page from the scoial media network. It took their daughter a long time to feel comfortable at school again. She is now doing much better and back to her own self.
April 25, 2012 – One father feels New Jersey anti-bullying laws are not sufficient, he takes matters into his own hands and secretly records a teacher and an aide mocking his autistic son.
April 19, 2012 – New Jersey School district pays $4.2 million to settle lawsuit by middle school student, Sawyer Rosenstein who was paralyzed by a known bully who punched him in the abdomen. Rosenstein’s lawsuit alleged that school knew or should have known about attacker’s prior violence and failed to comply with state’s anti-bullying law says family attorney.
April 12, 2012 – Justin Bieber’s song “Born to be Somebody” supports “Bully” the documentary. Admits he was bullied.
Peter, Paul & Mary Folk Singers: Peter Yarrow Founder “Operation Respect” to fight bullying
February 29, 2012 – Lady Gaga/Mother Monster launches “Born this Way Bullying Foundation.”
June 22, 2010 – NYS Anti-bullying legislation: The Dignity for all Students Act aims to end discrimination and harassment in schools.
Australian teen singer Cody Simpson teams up with “Defeat the Label” anti-bullying campaign with free concert. Miley Cyrus and Paula Abdul are also supporting anti-bullying.
Time Warner and Facebook partnership to combat bullying
(October School Bullying Prevention Month) Stop Bullying: Speak Up
(44 States have school anti-bullying policies)
(Federal mandate requires that all schools have some form of anti-bullying policy)
President Obama’s “2012″ budget to include funding for school bullying
Rapper 50 Cent Teen Novel “Playground” to Stop Bullying
Posted by sheila on April 18, 2010 under School Bullying | 
TYLER CLEMENTI
Tyler was a gay 18-year-old freshman who attended the prestigious Rutgers University in Piscataway, New Jersey. He was interested in music and loved to play the violin. One day his roommate, Dharun Ravi decided to secretly videotape Tyler and another man having a “sexual encounter” then Ravi posted it over the Internet for the whole world to see. Tyler Clementi complained to university officials when he learned of Ravi’s intrusion.
Little did roommate Dharun Ravi and another student named Molly Wei believe Tyler would commit suicide and they would be charged with invasion of privacy possibly facing up to 5 years in the penitentiary. There may be other charges forthcoming if the two students were convicted of a hate crime they could be sentenced to ten years in a state prison.
When Tyler found out about the tape he quickly posted a “goodbye” message to one of the social networks before jumping to his death on September 22, 2010 off the George Washington Bridge into the cold murky waters of the Hudson River. Police found Tyler’s belongings on the bridge and recovered his body.
While Tyler’s family is grieving over their loss, students held a vigil at Rutgers University. A special Facebook Memorial page has been posted in Honor of Tyler. On Saturday, October 16, 2010 supporters walked across the George Washington Bridge expressing their sympathy.
This has now become a national tragedy for not only Tyler Clementi has taken his own life, but other young gay victims of bullying across the country.
On Thursday, April 21, 2011 the prosecution in the Tyler Clementi case against his former roommate Dharun Ravi handed down a 15-count indictment which includes charges of witness and evidence tampering including intimidating the Rutgers student describing it as a hate crime. Prosecutors are undecided what the charges will be for 19-year-old harasser Molly Wei of Princeton Junction, New Jersey, but she will testify against Ravi as part of the plea. Molly Wei had very little to say at her first court appearance in Middlesex County, New Jersey. She spied on Tyler Clementi using a webcam to view a sexual encounter between two men in his Rutgers University dorm room. The judge granted her request into a pre-trial probationary program which could lead to all charges being dropped against Molly. Wei agreed to pursue 200 hours of community service and counseling. Ravi, 19 years of age is due back in court on May 23rd where more serious charges will be heard. He allegedly used Wei’s laptop to activate the webcam in the dorm room the student shared with Tyler Clementi at Rutgers University. Ravi who lives in Plainsboro, New Jersey will be facing close to 10 years in a state prison on charges of bias intimidation for allegedly targeting Tyler Clementi as being a gay person.
On May 23rd during a short court appearance by former Rutgers University freshman Dharun Ravi standing beside his attorney pleaded not guilty. Defendant Ravi avoided landing in jail by posting $25,000 in bail. His next court hearing before a Middlesex County judge is July 25th.
On Monday, July 25th attorneys for accused Dharun Ravi stated they wanted charges dropped on grounds that prosecutors failed to give evidence to a grand jury showing Ravi never bullied Tyler Clementi and his roommate’s state of mind before he committed suicide. Ravi’s “hate crime” still lies before a jury alleging he targeted Tyler Clementi because he was gay. The only crime Ravi seemed to have committed is “invasion of privacy.”
On Thursday, October 20, 2011 Ravi goes to court pleading “not guilty” and could receive a stiffer penalty. He made his decision which may give him anywhere from ten years to a lifetime in prison. A witness and victim that could help Ravi’s case does not want to speak with defense attorneys. The judge set a trial date for February 21, 2012. Tyler Clementi’s suicide helped a nation realize it’s a crime to bully gays and lesbians.
Tyler Clementi’s parents are considering suing Rutgers University. On Monday, November 14th 2011 Joe and Jane Clementi calling themselves “the proud parents of Tyler” attend a symposium on misuse of social media at the university in Piscataway, New Jersey.
On Thursday, March 8, 2012 prosecutors rested their case in the webcam spying trial of former Rutgers University student, 20-year-old Dharun Ravi born in India where he is still a citizen. He can be deported if convicted. Prosecutor is expected to present an investigator and several student character witnesses on Friday. The prosecution called dozens of witnesses in ten days of testimony stating seeing web stream or being told about it. Prosecutor’s brief testimony was focused on evidence, including cellphones and computers of which Ravi deleted text messages. Witnesses say Ravi did not display for any reason that he was anti-gay.
On Monday, March 12, 2012 Molly Wei was released after she turned herself into police. Dharun Ravi was released on $25,000 bail Tuesday after surrendering to police.
On Tuesday, March 13th while a dozen members of Tyler Clementi family and some members of Ravi’s sat listening to defense attorney Steven Altman present his case for final argument and summation to the jury in webcam spying trial. The defendant Dharun Ravi is charged with bias intimation, hindering arrest and witness tampering. Lawyer claims it was just an “innocent mistake.” Ravi was just curious not malicious. You the jury will have to decide whether Ravi was “hateful” or “biased” or “anti-gay” and hated his roommate. Whether he was “stupid and immature or just plain ignorant or his reaction criminal.” Defense attorney then became ill. The State contended during the trial that Ravi complained to his friends in emails that he was upset Tyler Clementi was gay. Ravi requested assistance from a second student Molly Wei to aim webcam at Clementi’s bed and invited friends to watch the sexual encounter.
On Wednesday, March 14th Judge Glenn Berman is expected to give jury instructions and let them begin deliberations, but schedule is now uncertain due to defense attorney, Steven Altman’s illness. If Ravi is convicted of the most serious charges, he could face up to 10 years in prison.
On Friday, March 16th at the Middlesex Superior Court in New Brunswick, N.J. the jury having deliberated for about two days, defendant Ravi has been found guilty on 15 counts, including bias “anti-gay” intimidation based on sexual orientation (serious hate crime) invasion of privacy and witness tampering. Ravi did not face charges for killing Tyler Clementi. Trial mainly focused on Ravi’s behavior in the days before Tyler died. Ravi could be deported to his native India as he’s not a U.S. citizen. His sentencing date is not until May 21st when he could face the maximum penalty of a decade in the penitentiary. One alternate juror disagreed with verdict.
Technology weaved its case against Ravi. Prosecutors say Ravi setup a webcam in his dorm which he shared with Tyler Clementi capturing him kissing another man in September 2010 at Rutgers University. He tweeted the entire scenario to half a dozen students and then tried to webcam the act again. Clementi realized he was being watched and prepared to jump off George Washington Bridge after posting this Facebook update “Jumping off the GW, sorry.” Criminal defense attorney, Robert Schalk believes many states will be enacting harsher punishments for crimes of this nature.
These are the first words uttered by 20-year-old Ravi in a television interview saying he feels very sorry about Tyler Clementi. Having parents and a little brother, I can only try to imagine how they feel and their ordeal. Want the Clementis to know I had no problem with their son. Wanted to talk to his parents, but I was afraid and didn’t know what to say. Ravi tells media, “I’m never going to regret not taking the plea.” Prosecutors offered Ravi a plea deal that included no prison sentence, but he turned it down in December. Ravi says he never knew gay people until he enrolled at Rutgers University.
On Monday, May 21st former Rutgers student 20-year-old teary-eyed Dharun Ravi sitting beside his attorney declined to speak listened to New Jersey Judge Glenn Berman reading his sentencing for webcam spying was convicted of bias intimidation not a hate crime with a 30-day jail term and three years of probation reporting by May 31st at 9:00 a.m. to the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center. The judge said there is no sentence that will compensate the parents of Tyler Clementi. They were not seeking a harsh punishment even though Ravi was not charged with the death of Tyler. It was recommended that Ravi who has a green card be deported to India where he was born and remains a citizen, but that did not happen. The judge ordered him to complete 300 hours of community service, attend counseling programs for cyber-bullying encompassing other lifestyle alternatives and pay $10,000 to probation department breaking it down to $300 per month beginning August 1st for a special program helping victims of bias crimes. His mother, Sabitha Ravi was crying as the father Ravi Pazhani sat quietly. Before sentencing his parents addressed the court as well as Tyler Clementi’s parents, brother James and a gay man who was on the webcam. Lead prosecutor did not seek the maximum 10-year penalty. Ravi’s defense attorney pointed to the fact that his client has no previous criminal record will be appealing the verdict, but Judge Berman made it clear he will not consider waiving sentencing. The judge commented on Ravi’s pre-sentencing letter saying it was “unimpressive.” Letters came pouring in from across the country and internationally asking Judge Berman for leniency that Ravi not go to prison. Ravi gave his apology to the court on Tuesday saying he accepts responsibility and regrets his thoughtless, insensitive, immature, stupid and childish choices he made on September 19th and September 21st in a written statement. He surrendered himself on Thursday to a 30-day jail term saying it is the only way for me to go on with my life written in a statement. Middlesex County Prosecutor Bruce J. Kaplan said Ravi’s crimes warranted more than the 30-day jail term calling Judge Berman’s sentencing insufficient according to sentencing guidelines, long-standing appellate cases and facts determined by the jury.
On Tuesday, June 19th Ravi is released from Middlesex County Jail with five days credit for good behavior. Neither Ravi or Clementi families could be reached for their opinion. Prosecutors have filed an appeal for a longer sentence while Ravi is appealing his conviction not to go to prison.
Teams of bullies are stronger when they bond together. These bullies can usually be found in or outside the work place, your neighborhood, at the local school. Girls or guys that want to rule. Don’t let this happen to you. Inform your parents, school officials and get help from buddies. Life can be extremely emotional for the victim of bullying.
Bullies think it’s fun to harass their victims. It’s usually the bullies who have the problem.
* * * * * *
© Copyright 2011 – 2012
Lyrics created by (Francke) the Yankee
All Rights Reserved
www.stopbullyingspeakup.com
www.stopbullying.gov
May 13, 2013 – Florida Judge Henry Davis bans 14-year-old girl bully from attending every Duval County public school. Appellate court judge puts stay on decision stating that Judge Davis cannot ban her from every public school in the district even if she poses a serious danger to others.
February 28, 2013 – “The Bully Effect an Anderson Cooper Special” highlighting the journeys of a bullied child, a grieving parent, a victim of violence and a filmmaker turned activist airing Thursday, February 28th at 10 pm et and will re-air Sunday, March 3rd at 8 pm and on Saturday, March 9th at 8 pm.
October 6, 2012 – Joseph and Jane Clementi have decided not to sue anyone including Rutgers University. The parents are planning to devote their time and energy to a foundation they established named after Tyler.
August 25, 2012 – Tyler Clementi’s parents leave their evangelical parish “Ridgewood Church” due to its views over homosexuality as sinful.
July 8, 2012 – Google “Legalize Love” campaign is about promoting gay rights not same-sex marriage. The search engine company is supporting workers in countries that criminalize homosexuality.
June 30, 2012 – “Mean Girls Aren’t Cool” (Female Bullying Prevention Program)
June 22, 2012 – Online outrage and sympathy together with donations amounting to over $650,000 has now been raised for 68-year-old bullied bus monitor Karen Klein from Rochester, NY after a 10-minute cellphone video went viral showing a group of seventh grade boys on a school bus brutally mocking with profane language and relentless taunting this woman about her weight, hearing aid and sweat glands. Two of the boys have apologized. Ms. Klein does not want to press criminal charges against the boys who are 12 and 13 years old, but she is hoping they will not be allowed to ride the school bus for at least a year. School officials have received thousands of calls and emails from people all over the world expressing dismay over the incident. Local officials are planning a gathering Saturday, June 23rd to show support for her and to publicly take a stand against bullying. On June 29th the families of four boys who are seventh-grade students from the Greece Central School District in upstate New York waived their right to a hearing and agreed to “50 hours of community service, bullying prevention program with one-year suspension from school and regular bus transportation.” The students will be able to apply for readmission to their regular school if they stayed out of trouble for 30 weeks. Karen Klein has been offered a trip to Disney World by ABC’s parent company and Southwest Airlines offered to pay for the flight. Ms. Klein who met her benefactor said she wants to give the donations for research.
June 21, 2012 – NYS to pass first Cyber Bullying law
May 1, 2012 – Georgia teenager and her family suing two classmates and their parents for cyberbullying after creating a cruel Facebook page in her name stating nasty things, school officials and authorities said the matter was out of their control since the cyberbullying was done off of school property. Her parents went into Facebook page and saw insulting remarks of “Retardish” and false sexual exploits, links to racist videos on YouTube and implications of drug use. The family went to Cobb County Police to file an incident report. “Boston was advised to notify Facebook and request web page be shutdown.” Most states like Georgia have laws against cyberbullying, but most of them do not cover bullying off of school premises. After many dead ends, the family sought legal help and finally two Georgia attorneys decided to hear their story. Attorneys say the defendants who are under 16 will not be named in the lawsuit. They were served in April and have not yet responded to the suit. Georgia attorneys, Woodward and Stern have not heard from defendants’ parents or any attorney that may be representing them. Lawsuit claims defendants’ actions were “intentional and malicious” and were done for the purpose of causing Plaintiff to suffer humiliation, mental anguish, embarrassment, emotional and physical distress.” The suit claims defamation and libel for the false statements and use of their daughter’s identify for the page. The family is seeking a jury trial and punitive damages. In Georgia, plaintiffs do not determine amount of punitive damages. It is determined by the court. The phoney “Facebook” page stayed up for nearly a year. It wasn’t until a television appearance last week by the family that Facebook removed the page from the scoial media network. It took their daughter a long time to feel comfortable at school again. She is now doing much better and back to her own self.
April 25, 2012 – One father feels New Jersey anti-bullying laws are not sufficient, he takes matters into his own hands and secretly records a teacher and an aide mocking his autistic son.
April 19, 2012 – New Jersey School district pays $4.2 million to settle lawsuit by middle school student, Sawyer Rosenstein who was paralyzed by a known bully who punched him in the abdomen. Rosenstein’s lawsuit alleged that school knew or should have known about attacker’s prior violence and failed to comply with state’s anti-bullying law says family attorney.
April 12, 2012 – Justin Bieber song “Born to be Somebody” supports “Bully” the documentary. Admits he was bullied.
Peter, Paul & Mary Folk Singers: Peter Yarrow Founder “Operation Respect” to fight bullying.
February 29, 2012 – Lady Gaga/Mother Monster launches “Born this Way Bullying Foundation.
October 3rd – 7th, 2011 – NJ Schools “Week of Respect” honoring Tyler Clementi
October School Bullying Prevention Month (Stop Bullying: Speak Up)
June 22, 2010 – NYS Anti-Bullying legislation: The Dignity for all Students Act aims to end discrimination and harassment in schools.
Time Warner and Facebook partnership to combat bullying
Old Navy selling “Gay Pride” T-shirts in the fight against bullying
Get on Justin Bieber’s team against bullying. (“It Gets Better” video debuted on Ellen DeGeneres Show)
“Glee’s Max Adler” Anti-Bullying “It Gets Better” Video
“Remember Life Gets Better” – Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton supports many celebrities in their fight against bullying
New Jersey lawmakers approve “Anti-Bullying” bill”
Lady Gaga meets with President Obama to legalize bullying as a hate crime after 14-year-old Jamey Rodemeyer committed suicide. The Buffalo, NY teen who admired Gaga for her songs “The Queen” and “Born this Way” wrote lyrics for “It Gets Better” project.
President Obama’s “2012″ budget to include funding for school bullying
Rapper 50 Cent novel “Playground” about teen bullying
Posted by sheila on October 8, 2010 under School Bullying |
