Greenville: Student’s Tragic Bullying Case Raises Questions About School Responsibility
Greenville, South Carolina has become the focal point of a heartbreaking story involving Kelaia Turner, a former student of Dr. Phinnize J. Fisher Middle School. This 12-year-old girl attempted suicide in March 2023 after enduring nearly two years of relentless bullying, according to a lawsuit filed by her parents.
The bullying began when Kelaia, who is Black, started wearing her natural hair to school. Initiated in August 2021, her classmates subjected her to constant verbal abuse, calling her names like “roach” and “mustache face.” The legal action notes that bullying escalated both physically and verbally over time. Even school staff reportedly joined in the torment instead of helping. One incident allegedly involved teacher Olivia Bennett pointing Kelaia out in a derogatory way when students asked where someone was.
Who Are the Key Players?
The key figures in this tragic situation include Kelaia Turner, her mother Ty Turner, the accused classmates, and school officials like Principal Jeremie Smith and teacher John Deer. Kelaia’s parents allege that despite their complaints and attempts to seek help, the school consistently failed to take adequate action.
What Happened?
Kelaia’s ordeal culminated in a suicide attempt on March 17, 2023, when she hung herself in her bedroom. After being unresponsive for eight minutes, she was revived but suffered severe brain damage and has been left incapacitated, requiring both a tracheotomy and a feeding tube. Disturbingly, the same students who bullied her visited Kelaia in the ICU, allegedly taking photos of her in a coma and posting them on social media.
School’s Response
In response to the lawsuit, Greenville County Schools expressed sympathy for Kelaia and her family but denied the allegations of negligence regarding the bullying incidents. A spokesperson emphasized that all reported matters were investigated in accordance with district policy. They stated, “No parent concerns or reports of bullying were ignored.” However, Kelaia’s family believes otherwise, claiming the school failed to protect her.
When Did the Bullying Start?
The lawsuit details that the bullying began in August 2021, when Kelaia was just 11 years old. Despite attempts to address the situation—including a formal complaint to school officials—the harassment persisted, culminating in various forms of abuse over the course of two years. On multiple occasions, peers continued to intimidate Kelaia, even going so far as to pour water on her belongings and throw them in the trash.
Why Is This Case Significant?
This case highlights severe issues surrounding bullying and school accountability. According to Kelaia’s parents, many schools have policies against bullying, yet there seem to be gaps in enforcement. Kelaia’s mother raised concerns during meetings with school officials, warning that similar situations had led to tragic outcomes in other cases. Yet, the claims of inaction seem to have persisted.
As Kelaia’s medical bills and ongoing care accumulate, her parents have initiated a GoFundMe campaign to gather financial support, successfully raising over $92,000. They are now seeking damages to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and mental health care.
Conclusion
The tragic story of Kelaia Turner not only serves as a reminder of the severe impact bullying can have on children but also raises questions about how schools respond to such situations. Her family’s commitment to seeking justice through legal action reflects a pressing need for better protections for students facing bullying. With Kelaia’s future uncertain and her family grappling with the implications of her ordeal, this case serves as a sobering wake-up call for communities and school districts everywhere.
