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Bullying cited in preteen cheerleader suicide
A 12-year-old California middle school student committed suicide on Dec. 3, a tragic reaction to alleged bullying at school. The bullying started when Ronin Shimizu pursued a spot on the cheerleading squad.
According to local media,
ABC News10 reported that Ronin Shimizu, a former 6th grader enrolled at Folsom Middle School, was taken out of the school to be home-schooled after intense harassment from fellow students. According to Ronin's friends and family, the harassment centered around Ronin being the only boy cheerleader for the Vista Jr. Eagles squad.
A fellow student was quoted saying that he had been bullied "very badly." No further details were offered. The family released a statement, posted in full by the local Fox affiliate.
The people close to our family know exactly who Ronin was, but since the story of this tragedy has spread worldwide, we want to take a minute to let the world know who he was. Ronin was one of the most loving, compassionate, empathetic, artistic and funny kids to grace this earth. Ronin was a child who was not afraid to follow his heart, and we as his parents did everything in our power to allow him to pursue his passions, while protecting him from the minority that could not understand the specialness he possessed.
As you already know, Ronin loved to do Cheer, but he also loved art, fashion, being a Scout and most recently crew/rowing. It is true that because of his specialness, Ronin was a target of bullying by individuals that could not understand or accept his uniqueness. Ronin was not just a target of bullying because of his participation in cheer, but for him just being Ronin.
They closed by reminding other parents that bullying prevention education should take place at home as well as at school.
The Fulsom Middle School principal also released a statement to the community:
Today we have and will continue to provide counseling and support to students and staff who need assistance dealing with their grief. And while do not know all of the circumstances surrounding Ronin’s passing, we will continue our work to maintain a safe, caring and positive school environment free from bullying and harassment.
As they continue to mourn, Shimizu's parents have set up a Facebook page called "Ronin's Voice." They plan to, "To turn this tragedy into something positive and hopefully prevent another senseless tragedy. Stop bullying now and listen to Ronin's Voice," according to the page.
The Vista Jr. Eagles football and cheerleading teams have also created a memorial fund in his honor. As of Monday afternoon, they've raised $7,125 of the $25,000 goal.
