[Zerbie]

We need to fix the schools. The schools need to monitor childrens' behavior and intervene when harassment occurs. Teachers and staff need to be educated and motivated to decry anti-gay speech as well as behaviors from their students. ALL of them, with unanimity. Other students need to band together and decry the behavior of these 'bullies.' They wouldn't do it so often and get such a rush if it caused them to be embarrassed by all their 'friends' looking at them as 'losers,' no? Their peers will be a huge part of changing this.

The schools and school districts need to dash their fears of "politics" and get to work protecting the basic safety of the students for whom they are responsible. And parents of bullies and those who perpetrate vicious, shaming acts and verbally harass other children need to get involved and raise their children! If they don't, they need to be held responsible in some way - mandatory education seminars and community service, perhaps?

I am writing letters to the Houston area school district about Asher's death, and urging them to provide training to their faculty/staff about anti-bullying and safe-schools programs. Please do the same! A dead child? I should think that would have their attention on the obvious fact that there IS a problem.

And if you have further suggestions for what we can do, please share them here. 3 dead children in one month? What the h*ll are teachers and school districts allowing to happen in these schools??