A 12-year-old student in the Jersey City school district took her own life over the weekend, according to Superintendent of Schools Dr. Norma Fernandez, and she asked the public not to speculate about the circumstances as some parents allege it was due to bullying.
By Dan Israel/Hudson County View
The revelation came at last night’s Jersey City Board of Education (BOE) Community Outreach committee, with Fernandez making the announcement prior to any other proceedings.
“I started this evening with the profound sadness that our community is coping with the passing of a 12-year-old. Our hearts and deepest condolences go to her family, friends, and everyone who knew and loved her during this unimaginable and difficult time,” she said.
Fernandez asked that everyone join the BOE in a moment of silence for the young student and her family in the wake of the tragedy.
“To honor her memory, and support those who are grieving, we ask our entire community to join us in a moment of silence. Let us use this time to hold her family our thoughts, and remember the bright light she brought to our world,” she stated.
Addressing the public, Fernandez asked everyone to refrain from speculating on the circumstances surrounding the young girl’s passing, especially on social media.
“During times of loss, it is natural human instinct to look for answers. However, out of respect for her family, and the integrity of her privacy, we publicly request that the public and social media communities refrain from speculations or sharing unverified information regarding the events leading to this tragedy,” she acknowledged.
“Speculation only compounds the immense grief the family is experiencing, and can be deeply distressing to the young people in our community.”
According to Fernandez, the district is focusing on supporting the family as best they can.
“Right now, our absolute priority is providing comfort and stability. We ask that you join us in wrapping her family and our school community in a blanket of support, empathy, and respect as they navigate this profound grief,” she added.
Later in the meeting, the topic arose again during a tense back and forth between parent Tere Fox and Board Vice President Dejon Morris, who claimed that the district could not do anything to stop the defiant trespass case against Emily Pecot, as HCV first reported.
During the exchange, Fox uttered: “A child killed themselves over the weekend for bullying, an issue that the school district probably could have prevented if you helped with bullying.”
Responding to Fox, Board Counsel Ramon Rivera told Fox that the board is not releasing any information about the deceased.
“You made a statement about a child who unfortunately took their life and the reason for that. And I just want to be clear, the board was clear when we spoke about that earlier, that we did not disclose any information about why that happened,” Rivera said.
“I want to be clear to the public, that the entire district and the board is not disclosing any information about a child who may have done something this weekend and taken their life.”
According to Rivera, the BOE does not know what led to this tragic set of circumstances.
“We don’t know the reason, we’re not disclosing. So let’s just leave that there.”
Individuals in crisis can dial 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, chat online at 988lifeline.org, or call 911 for life threatening situations. Additionally, New Jersey residents can dial 211, text 898-211, or go online to nj211.org for essential health, housing, and human services.