For months, she asked teachers and school administrators for help against her bullies at a Bellevue, Washington, elementary school. Without any help, a school girl and her parents turned to Facebook for help.
New York Daily News reports that Nasir Andrews, 9, made a heartfelt video of herself holding up index cards that told her story of relentless bullying at Ardmore Elementary School in Bellevue.
“As 1 of about 8 black kids at my school I never felt included, liked or respected. A student called me ‘Nutella’ and I told my after school teacher and she said it wasn’t racist and she made me write the definition of ‘racist.'”
Nasir also explained that she’d been choked, punched in the face, pushed, and choked at school. On one occasion, a male student drew a gun, followed by the words, “die die die.” He put the drawing in Nasir’s school cubby. According to the video, even an adult at the school bullied her by throwing food at her. She said children also started calling her “homeless” because she was receiving reduced-price lunches.
According to Nasir’s father, Travis Andrews, the family relocated to Washington from Georgia. Andrews said Nasir had numerous friends at her old school in Georgia and was a happy child before transferring to the Bellevue School District.
Andrews and his wife, Chatney Andrews, said they complained to teachers about the bullying on many occasions, but never received any assistance. They decided to take matters into their own hands and help their daughter create a video for Facebook.
The video went viral almost instantly, catching the attention of Bellevue School District after it had been shared over 80,000 times. A spokesperson released a statement shortly after.
“We are saddened by the experience shared in the Facebook video … We are very concerned about the well-being of all of our students. We can assure you that the district and central office leaders continue to work with the family to ensure that their daughter and student at Ardmore is receiving the support they need. The harassment, intimidation and bullying of any student is unacceptable. In the case you referenced, an investigation into the allegations has been in process.”
KIRO, a local news outlet that interviewed the family, reported that Nasir will likely change schools. Her family is currently looking into other options.
NEVER imagined being on the other side of the camera for this. As a parent, I am hurt that my child is bullied and harassed at school. Please watch, share and change! #backdownbully #justicefornasir
Posted by Chantey Andrews on Thursday, June 15, 2017
[Feature Photo: Facebook Screenshot]
