Through My Eyes: Bullying on Long Island

Patrick is a local middle school student here on Long Island, NY who is a victim of bullying. His family alleges that school personnel have been unresponsive to violence being committed against Patrick. Therefore, his parents are suing the school district. Patrick decided to do something more and produced this video.

His family was hoping to show the video at the school's PTA meeting, however the school wouldn't allow it because the video is "too graphic."

I was victimized by bullying for most of the 13-years that I attended public school. Except for some caring adults, most teachers and other adults turned their backs on me. I remember one adult taunted me because I was not "man enough" to stand-up against my attacker (I was 12 years old). This adult was a reflection of the ignorance of most adults at the time -- most did not understand the effects of bullying on children. It should be noted that the bully was arrested soon after for sexually assaulting a number of boys and girls. I'll never know why I was protected from that kind of violence, but I often think about the other victims and keep them in my prayers.

I'm so glad that this issue is coming to the public's attention, but it is clear that more work needs to be done. As you view this video, remember that Jesus is in the face of the victims.

God bless them...and God bless you.

Peace.



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