Angel Harris, center, and her son, Darrius, 5, watch balloons sail away Thursday at the memorial release in Copperhill, Tenn.
Nearly 100 people came to the afternoon release to see black and blue colored balloons float away in remembrance of two deceased Copper Basin students that were victims of bullying in Polk County.
Friend, Erica Cavender, left, and Angel’s father, Haril Harris, second from left, focused on the sky.
A lawsuit filed Friday against the Polk County Board of Education claims the Tennessee school system failed to protect 13-year-old Jazmine Harris from an “ongoing pattern of harassment, assault, and/or bullying.”
Jazmine took her own life two weeks ago, and family and friends say the relentless bullying she endured at Copper Basin High School led her to suicide.
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* School officials need to learn: Student bullying is child abuse * Mom of girl who committed suicide: Lawsuit next step in fight against bullying* Bullied to death? Family says they complained repeatedly to school administrators, but nothing changed * School official admits there’s a problem after bullying blamed for 2nd student suicide * Bullying blamed for second suicide at Polk County school
Warning signs of bullying
Red flags if a child is being bullied and afraid to speak up: * Grades going down * Eating habits change * Sleeping habits changing * Does not want to go to school * Stays in her room much longer, watching TV and video games * Becomes angry, abusive and loud * Cries a lot * Gives up on her friends * Dresses differently * Avoids after-school activities, wants to be alone Source: Stop Bullying Now Foundation Inc.
The lawsuit filed by Jazmine’s mother, Angel Harris, claims the Polk school board “breached its duty of care owed to [Jazmine,]” and it holds the school system responsible for her injuries and death.