PONTIAC, Mich. (WXYZ) — A Pontiac mother is speaking out after she says her son has been bullied and now assaulted at the hands of another student.
Kayla Burns says her 8-year-old son Anthony has had enough. She says he was recently assaulted on the school bus by another student, and she wants this to stop and for the school district to take action.
"Bullying is unacceptable," Kayla said. "Kids are taking their own lives for being bullied and my son is not going to be that statistic."
Kayla says her son Anthony is the victim of bullying, not only at his school Rogers Academy in Auburn Hills, but also on the school bus.
"I feel extremely upset that the school is not doing anything to protect my son," the frustrated mother said. "I send my son to school to be protected, to learn, to get an education."
Kayla says Anthony was recently assaulted on the bus, leaving him with bruises and scratches behind his ear. It has the little man shaken up and afraid.
"I have a feeling they’re like going to end up hurting me one day to the point I have to go to the hospital, but I’m hoping that doesn’t happen," said 8-year- old Anthony Cadwell.
The school district sent us a statement about the incident saying in part, “Superintendent Williams spoke directly with the parent and assured her we do not take these situations lightly. Keeping our children safe and free from verbal and physical harm is at the forefront of our priorities.”
The statement goes on to say: “We have also spoken with our transportation partner and they too remain committed to keeping our students safe.”
"(Being bullied) doesn’t feel good at all," Anthony said. "I do not like getting bullied. Like getting bullied, bullying is not fun."
Kayla says she's glad the school district is taking this issue seriously and acting quickly.
"Letting me know they’re concerned, as well as I am and protecting not only my son but other students in this situation has made me feel a little bit better," Kayla said.
A meeting is now set up for Friday afternoon for the parents, teacher and school principal to address this situation further. Kayla tells Action News she just wants her son to feel safe.
