It’s been referred to as horrendous, cruel, and unacceptable.
That is why the investigation into alleged bullying in Barnesville has raised the eyebrows of a plethora of residents in the Upper Ohio Valley during the three weeks since law enforcement received reports of the incident.
Thus far, the Belmont County Prosecutor’s Office has charged one adult and one juvenile in the case. Jayden Lucas, 18, has been charged with a fourth-degree misdemeanor, and an individual has been charged with the same in juvenile court. The incident reportedly took place in a back parking lot near Barnesville High School.
Authorities have reported that the victim was bound and had an unloaded crossbow point at him during an altercation described as “freshman orientation.”
“The situation in Barnesville, of course, has prompted us to have conversations about what is taking place inside our schools,” said Dr. Kim Miller, superintendent of Ohio County Schools. “But based on what I have learned about the situation in Barnesville, it appears to be something that might have taken place in the 1970s. Based on what the local media has reported about it, it sounds more like an assault than it does bullying.
“I know everyone is hopeful they figure out how to properly address it in that community because everyone is paying attention,” she added. “Bullying of any kind cannot be tolerated.”
Gut Check
While bullying has been around within society on all age levels, but it has been addressed on many occasions in school systems throughout the region. Miller admitted the circumstances in Barnesville have instigated conversations between her and the district’s administrators.
“We take bullying very seriously and anytime there is an issue, the principal, the teachers, and the counselors do their best to investigate the situation to make sure they have all sides of the situation,” the superintendent explained. “At that point, the situation is addressed the way it needs to be addressed. Not every situation involving bullying is the same so that’s why our employees do what they have to do to get on top of it.
“The worst part usually is that bullying doesn’t take place on the playground like it did when I was you,” Miller said. “But now so much bullying takes place on social media and it’s very, very damaging. When it took place on the playground, it wasn’t acceptable but it was over very quickly, but that’s not the case these days.”
While the incident in Barnesville reportedly involved high school students, Miller insisted bullying is present in all grades and, at times, even involves adults.
“Bullying, unfortunately, takes place on all levels of school anymore,” Miller reported. “I’m not sure if it is more prevalent with girls or boys, but I do know that social media has made it so much worse than what I remember. Plus, the kids today don’t know when to stop because it usually takes place without a parent or grandparent even knowing that it is happening.
“And what is also unfortunate these days is that adults don’t make it any better,” she said. “What takes place within your community is going to impact what takes place in our schools because the children bring those debates to the classroom or to the hallways. But I feel we have done a good job training our people to be able to identify the bullying so they can address it immediately.”
Black and White
Is there a written policy in Ohio County Schools to address bullying?
Of course, just as there are policies in place concerning most aspects in West Virginia’s public school systems. While W.Va. Gov. Jim Justice has allowed each county’s Board of Education members to decide on mask mandates and testing options this academic year, detailed laws are on the books for situations involving bullying and other conduct-related behavior.
“It is very true that there is a need for a policy concerning everything involved with education now,” Miller said. “That is why me and my staff are combing through what our lawmakers have developed as far as legislation concerning public schools is concerned. I believe the state of West Virginia has the second most regulations that pertain to the public education that is offered in the state.
“I do believe we are regulated an awful lot,” she insisted. “But it is all a process and whatever new laws are passed are immediately reviewed so we can implement the changes the best way possible.”
Related Content: Battling Back Against Bullies
