Monroe Students Pressure Board of Education to Expel Social Media Bullying Student

MONROE, CT — A petition launched by students of Monroe's Masuk High School has garnered more than 2,800 signatures calling on the Board of Education and Superintendent of Schools to expel a fellow student, recently suspended for social media bullying.

As of 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 13, the petition on Change.org had received 2,835 signatures toward a goal of 5,000.

"This petition is a motion to have a particular student and any other student(s) involved in the social media attack on special need students and African Americans removed from Masuk High School and placed into an alternative setting," reads the petition, posted by Nate Rodriguez. "As a school who encourages diversity and loves and supports our special needs students, we find it very difficult to maintain peace and focus on our academics."

The unnamed male student is a junior at the school, and the local police department reportedly has launched an investigation into situation.

"It can be recalled on several occasions that he has 'joked' about shooting the school and has also made remarks about two of our loved students whom were removed by their parents due to his constant prejudice on special need students," the petition continues. "This kind of behavior is unacceptable and worrisome and must be addressed immediately. He has disrupted our education and poses a distraction to our academics. The students of Masuk High School seek justice to the highest extent possible against he and anyone involved in the deplorable actions placed onto social media. Suspension is not enough , we seek more, much more."

Included in the petition is a link to a Dropbox page containing examples of the students' posts.

"Lastly, a message to the student and anyone involved in your scandal: You must understand that our right to speak freely does not mean we should offend anyone," the petition states. "In times like today, where violence and prejudice has overtaken our nation, we must stand together and show love and acceptance. We must stand united and walk with each other without contempt and trepidation. Your freedom of speech is a gift, and when you speak hate, it only incites hate. May you find peace and the ability to comprehend right from wrong, always remembering that what you say of others speaks more of you, than it does of them."

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