http://www.fox19.com/story/35491520/teacher-speaks-out-on-bullying-at-newport-independent-schools
http://www.fox19.com/story/35501794/school-suspends-newport-teacher-for-speaking-out-about-bullyingTeacher speaks out on bullying at Newport Independent Schools
NEWPORT, KY (FOX19) -
A teacher in the Newport Independent School system is speaking out about bullying for the children and for other teachers who are afraid they will lose their jobs.
Lila Campbell, a third grade teacher at Newport Intermediate School, said she is leaving at the end of this school year, but said she has to speak up for the voiceless.
Campbell showed emails that she has sent to counselors asking them to deal with the aggressive students.
She wrote there is one student going around saying, "She's pregnant with a demon child." That same student allegedly got mad at another student for not saying they are dating, "so she smacked him in the face." The same student said, "White people used to rule the world and black people are re******."
"I've seen a kid thrown on the floor and I've called administration and they pulled the kid for about two minutes and sent him back to class," Campbell said.
Newport Independent School system responded saying, "The school district is aware of the situation. The school counselor has been working to resolve the situation and the issues between these two students. The safety of our students is a top priority and our full attention is being given to this matter."
Campbell said nothing has been done to address the problems.
"It got really bad a few weeks ago when they said they would address it... and nothing has been done. It came to a head when my class was in a race war. It's to the point where I am trying to break up seven kids from getting in a huge fight," she said.
Campbell said the kids have no accountability.
"I just want them to step up and show the kids that there is a boss in the school and it's not them, and show parents you are going to be involved so parents don't feel they have to take it upon themselves to solve these problems," she said.
EDIT: I'm an idiot. I thought it said they don't comment on personal matters instead of personnel matters.School suspends Newport teacher for speaking out about bullying
NEWPORT, KY (FOX19) -
A Newport teacher has been suspended after taking a stand and speaking out about bullying she said she's witnessed at her school.
Lila Campbell, a former 3rd grade teacher at Newport Intermediate School, was suspended for three days without pay which will take her to the end of the school year.
She said speaking out against the district about alleged bullying in the schools was not easy.
"They said it was my classroom management and just my class... and I've seen it in the hallways and I've seen it in other classes. I've seen it all over the place and i know it's true," Campbell said.
The Newport Independent Schools district letter sited Kentucky Law KRS 161.790 which states a teacher can be suspended for conduct unbecoming a teacher. They also site violation of board policy 08.2323, access to electronic media that did not, "promote student learning and communication."
"They said that what I said was untrue. And I know I shared emails which I shouldn't have, but what I said was not untrue and and I have had several parents call me and message me, emailing me and supporting me... so I feel good about what I did," Campbell said.
FOX19 NOW reached out to the district about the alleged bullying problems, but was told they do not comment on personnel matters, and are not giving interviews.
"I had kids coming to me this morning crying and hugging me because I stood up for them. They feel that I am trying to make a difference for them and give them a better school to be in," Campbell said.
She said her only regret is not being able to say goodbye to her students in person.