Nationwide — Kavon Ward, an African American mother from Culver City, California, plans to take legal action after her 7-year-old daughter, Semira, endured two years of bullying at her local elementary school. After multiple complaints, the school has banned Ward from the campus.She says Semira has faced verbal and physical abuse from other students since first grade, according to Atlanta Black Star. In April, a teacher informed Ward that three boys had been bullying her daughter. Although the school investigated, the bullying continued, with one student physically attacking Semira multiple times.
Despite the school’s efforts to address the situation like monitoring Semira during certain class periods and allowing her to choose her class, the bullying persisted. In December, Semira was punched, kicked, and had objects thrown at her. Ward’s attempts to reach out to the school and district for further help were reportedly ignored.
In early December, frustrated by the lack of action, Ward confronted the principal. This led to a public altercation, after which Ward was banned from campus for allegedly disrupting operations and threatening safety. Ward denies these claims, saying she only threatened legal action.
“They said they would have eyes on her at all times, which is why I got upset and cursed her out,” Ward said. “You’re supposed to be protecting all kids and when I curse you out because these kids are physically harming my kid, you ban me from campus and make me out to be public enemy No. 1. This is what they do to Black women.”
Following the confrontation, rumors spread among parents that Ward’s daughter had threatened other students.
The situation has caused emotional distress for both Ward and Semira. Semira has begun journaling about the bullying and is receiving counseling.
Now, Ward is demanding justice. She wants the school’s principal fired and the bullies transferred to other schools. She has also met with the district’s board president but has yet to receive adequate support. Ward intends to pursue legal action against the school for neglecting her daughter’s safety.
Meanwhile, the Culver City Unified School District stated it takes bullying seriously but did not comment on the specific complaints. Ward insists that the bullying against Semira is severe and calls for immediate corrective actions.