Parents upset with Johnston County schools after they said daughter is verbally abused by classmates
CLAYTON, N.C. (WTVD) -- The parents of a Johnston County student are upset with the school system after they say their child's school leaders did not do enough to protect her from verbally abusive classmates.
Lauren Welter told ABC11 that for the last two months, her 12-year-old daughter, a sixth grader at Clayton Middle School, has come home in tears.
"She's been upset," said Welter. "She's crying."
She and the girl's father, Jhirmeus Cabbagestalk, said two boys have been making sexual comments toward their daughter, verbally abusing her in the classroom and on the school bus.
"They're still making comments to her, really nasty comments," said Welter.
"The school's not doing anything about it," said Cabbagestalk. "We had to come up there and do it and now, it turns into this big fiasco."
An impromptu meeting with their child's teacher Monday morning ended with Cabbagestalk banned from campus. He said he exchanged words with an administrator who told them to check in at the front office.
"We ask parents if there's a concern, you have an issue please contact administration," said Tracey Peeden Jones, Johnston County Schools spokesperson. "Please contact the school because we do want to work together."
Jones said the school system investigates any and all allegations of sexual assault, bullying, peer relations, etc. She said Clayton Middle School leaders followed policy in disciplining the students involved.
While Jones said the issue was resolved, the girl's parents disagree.
"Stand on your teacher's side, that's what you're supposed to do," said Welter. "But we can't do your job for you and ours too if you're not gonna help us and get these boys under control."
Welter said the school principal called her Tuesday morning and offered to meet and talk about the situation. Welter said she wasn't up for it this week, but plans to meet with her next week.
