Hi, my name is Thomas. I am 15 and in High School . I have been having a lot of trouble paying attention in class because of people in the class harassing me constantly. I've gone to the teacher, and she said "If you act that way, you basically ask for it." What should I do? I don't want to go to the principal, because I don't want to cause any more trouble. What should I do? I failed 3 classes last year because of this, and I have an F in algebra the only class that has happened in this year thankfully. Thanks for reading this, and devoting your time to helping people get through stuff like this
Signed,
Thomas, 15, Monroe LA

 

Dear Thomas, I am so sorry that you are having a tough time at school. It is absolutely wrong that you are being treated the way you are, and disgusting that your teacher said what she said to you instead of helping you and acting like a teacher. There is nothing wrong with you, and nobody deserves to be harassed. What you need to do now is talk to someone at home, take the matter to a counselor or vice principle, maybe even the principle. I say maybe even the principle because not only are you being harassed by your peers, but your teacher’s behavior is disgusting.  You are not causing any trouble, rather people are causing you trouble. You need to speak out for yourself, and find some help within the school to help you speak out. Definitely go to a counselor and don’t think of yourself as trouble ever, you have the right to be safe and comfortable in your school just like everyone else, and it’s the job of the school staff to make sure that that happens and that you’re okay. It’s clearly affected your school work, and you’re emotionally and mentally and it’s their job to help you. You can also try and go to a different teacher; one you think might be more understanding. I wish you the best of luck Thomas; remember that you deserve to be safe and happy in your school so make sure you get some help to make that happen.