Racism in Schools: Victim Torrence Collier

Signs of bullying

Thanks to CBC for originally posting this article.

Torrence Collier, An 11-year-old boy on Newfoundland’s Baie Verte Peninsula is the victim of racism and extreme bullying, according to family members who say they’re all at their breaking point.

His mother knew something was wrong when she found a note written by her son.

“He had stated in there that he wanted to die, and he couldn’t take the daily bullying any more,” she said.

Are you someone you know experiencing suicidal thoughts?

In the town of Westport, with the population of about 200, Torrence Collier is the only black child in the town.

The colliers, who moved to westport from Saskatchewan about a year and a half ago, say the bullying began shortly after their move, along with physical abuse at school.

“I feel kind of scared,” said Torrence Collier. “And I ask myself, ‘Why does everybody hate me so much?‘”

‘I feel horrible about myself. And sometimes, I wonder if they’re right.’– Torrence Collier

Torrence endures daily, endless slurs and threats at St. Peter’s Academy in Westport.

She said comments have included the N-word, as well as other insults like “rapist.”

When asked by CBC whether anything has been done about the Colliers’ complaints, the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District said in a statement that it has held diversity and anti-bullying presentations for all students at St. Peter’s Academy.

The school board said that a director will be sent out to speak with the Colliers in the coming days.

School like a prison

Torrence Collier said the insults are tough.

“I feel horrible about myself,” he said. “And sometimes, I wonder if they’re right. If I am all those things that they call me.”

Heather Collier said the issue came to a head in March, when she found a note handwritten by her son.

There are many detrimental effects of bullying. Torrence is now supervised during the entire school day, and uses a separate washroom to avoid attacks. The Colliers said that for their son, school is now more like a prison. His days at school are only filled with fear, there is no enjoyment at his place of education, which should be a place of safety and fun.

The effects of bullying

Torrence has been approved to transfer to a school in nearby Baie Verte in September. But his mother said she worries that even if they can manage the longer commute, it might not solve the situation.

“Where do we go? How do we stop this?” Heather Collier asked. Learn how to stop bullying.

“Because even if he does go [to] Copper Ridge School, we still got the concern with the summer.” Are you a bully? Learn how to change.

The Colliers have contacted the local health authorities, seeking counselling for their son.

The deputy mayor of Westport said she knew nothing about the allegations until a local CBC-TV broadcast aired on Tuesday, adding that as far as she knew, the town has never discriminated against anyone.

Unlike other Canadian jurisdictions, the school district in Newfoundland and Labrador is a provincially run body, and has no direct affiliation with town authorities.

Why Do Kids Bully?

Torrence Collier is 11 years old, which meams that most likely so are his bullies. What could possibly cause children to be so discriminatory? Where are they getting these ideas of racism? Racism is a learned behavior. Often it is learned from the media or at home from parents who make racial comments. Learn if you are a racist parent and how to stop it.

What Causes Racism?

Source:
News, CBC. “Torrence Collier, 11, Says He Faces Racism, Extreme Bullying in Westport – Newfoundland & Labrador – CBC News.” CBCnews. CBC/Radio Canada, 11 June 2014. Web. 13 June 2014.