Death of Asian/American teen draws worldwide attention

By Louis Chan
Reprinted from AsAm News 

A Care 2 petition demanding the Fairfield School District in Ohio make major anti-bullying and discrimination reforms after the suicide of an Asian/American teen is nearing its goal of 10,000 signatures.

Emilie Olson

Emilie Olson, 13, was found dead in December 2014. Her parents who adopted her from China when she was just nine months old say the school district ignored its repeated pleas for help despite notifying the district their daughter was being harassed with racial slurs and homophobic attacks for her perceived sexual orientation.

People from as far away as the United Kingdom, South Africa, Canada, Poland, New South Wales, Western Australia, Sweden and Germany are among those who have signed the petition just in the last 24 hours.

RELATED: Parents file lawsuit, say school district ignored signs

The petition demands Fairfield School officials be held accountable for following their code against racial and sexual discrimination and violence. It calls for the district to provide emotional support for bullied students and to notify parents of victims and offenders immediately when such acts are identified.

“The bullied kids are just told to suck it up and march on,” said Micky B of South Africa who signed the petition and who says his child has also been bullied. “When will we realize that we shouldn’t condone or ignore this type of aggressive behavior in children? How many children must take their own lives before someone takes a stand and says enough is enough, this is not acceptable behavior?”

RELATED: 'Silicon Valley Suicides' haunt Asian/American students 

Need help?
Bullying can affect you in many ways. You may lose sleep or feel sick. You may want to skip school. You may even be thinking about suicide. If you are feeling hopeless or helpless or know someone that is, please call the LIFELINE at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or go to www.stopbullying.gov.

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