(Newswire.net — October 28, 2014) — Two boys from family that emigrated from Senegal about a month ago, were beaten and badly injured by other students in a Bonx schoolyard. Calling them “Ebola”, a group of students first verbally, then physically attacked the brothers.
The father Drame said they had been bullied for two weeks over Ebola. Several students whispered the word, “Ebola,” instructing other students not to talk to the boys. “They were treated like cancers” he said.
“If they go to the gym they don’t want them touching the ball,” Drame said.
“They have every right to be here,” their father said noting that the children were born in America, but raised in Senegal.
Drame, however, didn’t blame the students. “They don’t know nothing. They’re babies,” he said, emphasizing that the real problem is in the school system that “wasn’t doing enough to protect his children and others like them.”
“Where was the school administrators, where was the school staff when all of this was happening?” asked Charles Cooper of the African Advisory Council Calling the attack “unacceptable,” demanding more action.
It is just the latest incidence of disrespect and bullying of Africans, since the outbreak of Ebola in West Africa, advocates say. Drame wants his sons to return to school, however, he wants confirmation they’ll be safe — physically and emotionally.
The Department of Education dispatched additional security to the boys’ school, saying it’s aware of the complaint. The agency said it would instruct teachers and principals to be on high alert for any potential instances of bullying or discrimination.
Also, The Department of Education said it would send information to parents “to help them better understand the issue and dispel any misconceptions their children might have.”
“We will not tolerate intimidation or bullying of our students, especially in this moment when New Yorkers need to come together,” Schools Chancellor Carmen Farina said in a statement.