WASHINGTON — A D.C. mother is speaking out after she says her daughter was attacked in school in March. She said she turned to WUSA9 to share her daughter’s story in hopes of change.
A mother’s touch is always nurturing — especially now for 9-year-old Zarina. But now, as she walks past her school KIPP DC Heights Academy that was once her favorite place she’s uncomfortable.
“School... [is] supposed to be your second safest place,” Redd said.
Her mother, Sherica Redd said her daughter has been dealing with bullying.
“My daughter was attacked and beaten, and her hijab was ripped off by two little boys,” Redd said. “The situation is very traumatizing.”
She said as of Monday, one of the boys that attacked her continues to bully her.
“One of the little boys that attacked her asked her, ‘do you remember when we beat you up?’” Redd said. “It’s very frustrating.”
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Redd said she has growing concerns as time continues to go by.
“From the hearing the headquarters said the boys were suspended for five days and that was all they were going to do and I, to protect my daughter for her safety,” Redd said. “I would have to transfer out of her school that she’s been here since 3.”
KIPP DC Public schools sent WUSA9 a statement saying:
“KIPP DC is dedicated to fostering safe and supportive learning environments for all our students. We are deeply concerned by the reported incident and take this matter with the utmost seriousness.
It is our policy not to discuss disciplinary actions taken against individual students, as these decisions are made in accordance with established guidelines and protocols. However, disciplinary measures were taken with the students involved in accordance with our student handbook and DC legislation.
We remain steadfast in our commitment to safeguarding the well-being and security of all students within our school community. We will continue to take proactive measures to uphold these principles," KIPP DC Public Schools Director of Marketing and Communications, Aaron Hampton.
Now Redd who has been a parent of students at KIPP DC for 15 years said for the first time she’s struggling to ensure one of her children’s safety.
“I don’t really know how to secure that when it’s just me saying it constantly every day to her,” Redd said.
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