Student Won't Go To School Because Of Bullies: Readers React

SPRINGFIELD, NJ — Patch readers are speaking out and are outraged by 9-year-old Emma Spektor's bullying experience at Springfield's Thelma L. Sandmeier School.

Spektor was bullied for an entire school year and was looped into the same class again this year. When her mom, Irina requested she be moved to another classroom the principal denied her.

As a result, Irina says Emma has experienced heath issues and is now staying home until she is moved to a "safe" classroom.

• See Related: Springfield 4th Grader Won't Go To School Because Of Bullies, Mom's Plea For New Classroom Rejected

A total of 25 comments have been left on the Patch story in support of the Spektor family. Here are what some readers are saying:

"Unbelievable that this went on for a year and the teacher didn't do anything to resolve this, telling the kid to go figure it out? Telling a kid being bullies to "Go Figure it out" could have turned out bad," said Don Blank

"What is the school system waiting for? Another dead body? Then what will they say?" said SCOOPNJ78.

"Its a disgrace that the school demanded proof. Bullies, by definition, are covert," said Concerned.

"We keep hearing that New Jersey has a "strong" anti-bullying law. Looks like it's not "strong" enough! Perhaps this mother needs to find a good lawyer or other outside advocate," said gruntled.

"I was Emma in the early 80's. Except the bullying began by a teacher. In 4th grade. My classmates soon took the teachers lead and bullied me as well. My parents also asked for me to be transfered to a new homeroom. It was denied multiple times. They brought me to a different school, a weird sort of Montessori type place but being a kid, I panicked. I stayed in that school and class, developed major anxiety issues which remain to this day. I'd beg this mother to either insist on a new classroom or find a private school for her little girl. The damage that teacher did carried through my entire life. Low confidence, anxiety, trust issues, etc. I hope she gets some support from her community here too," said Gina Sanders.

A day after the story was published the Springfield School System has still not responded to Patch's request for comment.

Have your own comment on the story? Comment below here or read the full story HERE.

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