Des Moines, Iowa– April 18 – Iowa Pride Network’s Leadership Team, made
up of high school and college students from across Iowa issued a
statement today regarding the tragic death of 14 year-old Kenneth
Weishuhn, Jr. of Primghar, Iowa.
The death of 14-year-old Kenneth
Weishuhn Jr. is heartbreaking. Kenneth’s classmates began to bully him
at his South O'Brien High School and online after he came out earlier
this year. As lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and allied (LGBTA)
students, we are heartbroken that this persecution and tragedy has taken
place. Many are outraged and are asking the question, why is this
happening? How could this happen here?
From what we know,
Kenneth frequently experienced verbal harassment and cyber-bullying.
According to reports, Kenneth’s sister Kayla Weishuhn, a sophomore,
stated "A lot of people, they either joined in or they were too scared
to say anything." Unfortunately, what Kenneth experienced in school and
online is not uncommon, as Iowa Pride Network’s School Climate Survey
reveals:
• 78.4% of Iowa LGBT students report being verbally harassed because of their sexual orientation
• 93% of Iowa LGBT students are more likely to have considered suicide
if they were verbally harassed because of their sexual orientation
•
59% of Iowa LGBT students are more likely to report having considered
suicide if cyber-bullied because of their sexual orientation
This tragedy has shown the need for our peers to stand up for one
another—to care for one another—to realize the cost of silence is the
lives of our generation. As young people, we need to vocalize what is
happening in our schools and communities.
We have the power to
make things better. We must stop bullying in that classroom, at that
desk, in that lunchroom, and on that playground. If there is bullying,
we must report it to school officials. If you are being bullied or
harassed, you are not alone. Iowa Pride Network is a resource for you
and so is The Trevor Project, a confidential hotline where you can talk
with a trained counselor by calling 1-866-488-7386.
As the
details of this tragedy become clear, it is our hope that the lessons
learned will create an environment where all students are treated with
dignity and respect and where all students feel safe. Our hearts and
thoughts go out to Kenneth’s family.
Benjamin Alley, University of Iowa
Hollie Wilson, Southeast Polk High School
Sean Hernandez, University of Iowa
Dane Buchholz, Iowa State University
Alan Toussaint, University of Iowa
Joy Dannelly, Roosevelt High School
Nicholas Muntz, University of Iowa
Brittany Banks, Waldorf College
Stephen Boatwright, DMACC
Sara Puffer, University of Iowa
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