Tragic Case of Bullying in Greenville: A Young Girl’s Struggle
Greenville, South Carolina — A federal lawsuit has emerged following a heartbreaking incident involving Kelaia Turner, a 12-year-old student at Dr. Phinnize J. Fisher Middle School. Kelaia, a Black student, attempted suicide earlier this year after facing relentless bullying from her peers, leading to severe brain damage and a critical health crisis.
Who
Kelaia Turner, just 12 years old at the time of her tragic attempt, is the central figure in this lawsuit filed by her parents. The school district involved is Greenville County Schools, and several staff members, including a teacher and the principal, are named in the allegations.
What
The lawsuit claims that Kelaia was subjected to physical and verbal bullying that began when she was only 11 years old. Allegedly, this harassment intensified when Kelaia decided to wear her natural hair to school. The bullying, which included cruel nicknames such as “roach” and “mustache face,” persisted over two years and contributed to Kelaia’s suicidal thoughts and subsequent attempt.
Where
This distressing case took place at Dr. Phinnize J. Fisher Middle School located in Greenville County, a region that recently has come under scrutiny regarding its handling of bullying incidents.
When
The bullying reportedly began in August 2021 and continued until March 2023, when Kelaia attempted suicide. She was unresponsive for eight minutes before being revived by emergency responders. After the incident, Kelaia spent 101 days in the hospital.
Why
Kelaia’s mother believes the bullying stemmed from Kelaia showcasing her natural hair, leading to comments from classmates that deeply affected her mental health. Despite the parents notifying teachers and school officials of the incidents, the lawsuit claims adequate action was not taken to protect Kelaia from future harassment.
Details of the Incident
According to the lawsuit, Kelaia’s ordeal included being mocked by peers, with parties involved in incidents that saw her clothes soaked and thrown away. Disturbingly, classmates visited her in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after her suicide attempt and took photos of her while she was in a coma to share on social media.
School’s Response
Greenville County Schools released a statement expressing sympathies to Kelaia’s family but strongly denied the allegations of failing to address bullying. They mentioned that all reported incidents were investigated in line with district policies. The school asserts that bullying, discrimination, and harassment are not tolerated and that they have implemented anti-bullying measures.
Current Situation and Impact
Kelaia Turner is now left with severe brain damage, requiring constant care, including a tracheotomy tube for breathing and a feeding tube. The lawsuit filed by her parents seeks damages for medical bills, psychological care, and loss of enjoyment of life, among other claims.
Public Support
In a show of community support, a GoFundMe page established by Kelaia’s father has raised over $92,000 to assist with medical expenses, significantly exceeding its initial goal of $15,000.
This tragic case highlights the severe consequences of bullying and raises critical conversations about school environments, students’ safety, and the responsibility of educational institutions to protect their students.
