AdDU kicks out student found responsible for bullying a fellow junior high student
The Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) has dismissed a Junior High School student found responsible for a bullying incident that went viral on social media.
In a statement posted on its Facebook page on Thursday, November 12, the university said it had completed the disciplinary proceedings against the student, as reported by Inquirer and MindaNews.
“Following due process, the student has been dismissed from the Junior High School, effective immediately. Our inquiry into other aspects of the incident, including the involvement of other students, continues,” the school said.
The move came after videos circulated online showing a minor being punched and kicked by fellow students inside a comfort room at the university’s Junior High School campus in Matina, Davao City. Based on the MindaNews report, the incident reportedly happened while the school was holding an earthquake drill.
“Our concern remains with the student who was harmed and his family. We recognize their pain and distress, and we will continue to accompany them with care and support,” AdDU added.
The university stressed that “violence and bullying have no place” in its campus and that those responsible will be held accountable with due process.
AdDU also formed the University Task Force on Bullying Prevention and Safe Learning Environments, which will review how bullying complaints, both past and present, have been reported and acted upon, according to PhilSTAR Life.
Earlier, the school said it had referred the case to its Child Protection Committee, reported the matter to the Department of Education (DepEd), and handled the investigation under Republic Act No. 10627, or the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013. Officials of the Davao City Police Office also met with the school’s Junior High School principal to discuss campus security.
The university appealed to the public to stop sharing the videos and any details that could identify the minors involved, to protect their dignity and privacy.
The investigation into the possible involvement of other students is still ongoing.
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