San Bernardino – The following is a statement made by Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes in connection with recent events surrounding bullying and the recent passing of Rosalie Avila, a victim of bullying in school.
“The recent events that transpired in Yucaipa are deeply troubling and the loss of Rosalie Avila is completely unacceptable and should have been avoidable. Although the State of California has done much in the way of passing legislation addressing bullying in schools, there is clearly more work that needs to be done.
Rosalie Avila was bullied so much, she felt she had no other option than to take her own life. No student should be forced into an environment where they dread going to school because of the darkness that others place over them.
Through current law and legislative efforts, there are resources, curriculum and trainings available to school teachers and administrators but there is room for improvement. By partnering with local school districts and staff, we can ensure that resources and strategy are being used and implemented correctly and efficiently.
Our children are subjected to so much already and it is our duty as legislators, teachers and parents, to create an academic environment that is free from the physical and verbal harassment that is still so pervasive in our centers of learning.”
Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes represents Assembly District 47 which includes the cities of Fontana, Rialto, Colton, Grand Terrace, San Bernardino and the unincorporated areas of Muscoy and Bloomington.
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