News Summary
A family’s heartbreaking journey highlights the severe impact of bullying after their 12-year-old daughter, Kelaia, attempted suicide following years of harassment at school. As Kelaia struggles with severe brain damage post-incident, her parents have launched a lawsuit against the school district, seeking justice and accountability for the bullying she endured. The community rallies in support, showcasing the urgent need for action against bullying in schools.
Tragic Turn: Greenville County Family Takes Stand Against Bullying After Daughter’s Heartbreaking Suicide Attempt
In the tight-knit community of Greenville County, South Carolina, a family’s nightmare has illuminated the grave reality of bullying in schools. The story revolves around a 12-year-old girl named Kelaia Turner, a student who was subjected to relentless bullying at Dr. Phinnize J. Fisher Middle School. Tragically, her struggle culminated in a suicide attempt on March 17, 2023, after two years of increasingly severe harassment.
According to reports, the bullying journey for Kelaia kicked off back in August 2021. Initially, the taunts were your typical name-calling, but things took a hurtful turn when Kelaia decided to embrace her natural hair at school. Suddenly, she was being called derogatory names such as “roach” and facing comments that insinuated she looked “like a man.” These insults didn’t just hurt her feelings; they profoundly impacted her mental well-being.
Escalating Bullying: A Harrowing Journey
The family described Kelaia as a bright, bubbly child—truly the light of their lives. However, after months of bullying, her demeanor changed drastically. The once cheerful girl became noticeably somber and withdrawn, a change that didn’t go unnoticed by her loving mother. Sadly, Kelaia tried to reach out for help. Each time she reported the bullying incidents to school authorities, she hoped for a change, but instead, the situation only worsened over the following 15 months.
One of the most shocking incidents cited in the family’s lawsuit is when a teacher allegedly participated in the torment. Instead of protecting Kelaia, the teacher seemingly pointed her out in a derogatory manner when a classmate asked, “Where’s the roach?” This disheartening behavior from an adult figure left Kelaia feeling more isolated than ever.
Physical Altercations and Continued Harassment
Kelaia’s distress led to a physical altercation with one of her bullies, prompted by relentless harassment. In a disheartening twist, Kelaia found herself the only student disciplined for what was clearly an act of desperation in a terrible situation. The bullying didn’t stop there; reports of students playing offensive songs laced with racial stereotypes in class and even dumping water on Kelaia’s clothes only added to her torment.
On that fateful day in March, Kelaia attempted to take her own life by hanging herself in her bedroom. Thankfully, emergency responders revived her after she was unresponsive for eight long minutes. However, this second chance came at a high cost—Kelaia now suffers severe brain damage, requiring extensive medical care and support, including a tracheotomy tube and feeding assistance.
Invasive Cruelty: Bullies Mock Kelaia in ICU
What’s even more disturbing is the reported behavior of Kelaia’s bullies after her suicide attempt. Rather than feeling remorse or compassion, some of the very peers who caused her pain reportedly visited her in the ICU, snapping photos of her condition to share on social media, further mocking her tragic situation. This cowardly act underscores the urgent need for action against bullying within school environments.
A Family Driven by Love and Anger
In response to Kelaia’s suffering, her parents have stepped forward by suing the Greenville County School District along with various faculty members, citing negligence. They seek financial compensation for medical expenses, emotional suffering, and the ongoing care Kelaia now requires. The lawsuit is not merely about money but aims to hold those responsible accountable for their actions—or inactions—in stopping the bullying that so deeply affected their daughter.
Community Support and District Denial
Meanwhile, a GoFundMe page has been launched to support Kelaia’s family, raising over $92,215—far exceeding its original goal of $15,000. This outpouring of community support showcases the love and concern for Kelaia and her family during this harrowing time. Yet, despite the anguish faced by Kelaia and her family, the Greenville County School District has denied any wrongdoing. They claim that they investigated all reports of bullying and adhered to their zero-tolerance policy.
The struggles of Kelaia Turner represent a chilling reminder of the devastating impacts bullying can have on young lives. As the community watches this situation unfold, many hope that lessons will be learned and that no other child will have to endure what Kelaia has experienced.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Greenville County Community Reacts to Tragic Bullying Incident
Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina
- Greenville Online
- New York Post
- Washington Post
- WSPA News
- Wikipedia: Bullying
- Google Search: Bullying in Schools
- Google Scholar: Bullying Effects on Children
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bullying
- Google News: School Bullying Lawsuit
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