Monday, January 23, 2012

Another One: Phillip Parker

Phillip Parker was just fourteen when he'd decided enough was enough. He took his own life rather than endure another moment of being bullied.
Gena Parker, Phillip's mother: 
"He was fun, he was energetic, he was happy." 
And, to many of his friends, Phillip was known as the boy who told everyone they're beautiful, though maybe he didn't quite believe that for himself.
Ruby Harris, Phillip's grandmother: 
"He kept telling me he had a rock on his chest. He just wanted to take the rock off where he could breathe."
Phillip's family reported their concerns over his being the target of bullies to officials at Gordonsville High School on multiple occasions, but the bullying just got worse.Phillip Parker, Phillip's father: 
"That's my son. I love him. I miss him."
An official with Smith County Schools said they are planning how to handle a crisis situation with students Monday. It's a shame they couldn't handle a bullying situation, for then there would be no need for crisis counseling for Phillip's fellow students.
Some folks say that these are hard posts to read, and I can tell you that they are hard posts to write. But if we don't put their names out there, we don't shine a light on the issue that children are bullying children; to death.
This needs to stop. The schools need to step up. The districts need to step up. Parents need to demand that the schools their children attend keep those children safe.
I'm sick of seeing 'Another One....' on my blog, but these young men and women, gay and straight, are not going to die in vain.


source

7 comments:

  1. It breaks my heart to see these posts, but that is certainly not your fault. Thank you for honoring these kids and for keeping the spotlight on the issue.

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  2. Go in Peace Philip.
    Yes Bob. We must remind everyone of each child that has been lost.

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  3. It's time for us to call out the parents. If they were bullies when they were young, odds are they're raising a new generation of bullies. This must stop.

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  4. We need a memorial, something akin to the AIDS Quilt for these children and young men and women who die with the taunts of bullies ringing in their ears. But the sad thing is we shouldn't need one.

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  5. Anonymous2:22 PM

    My BFF is Phillip's cousin......LOVE YOU PHILLIP!

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