The Gainesville ISD has released a report on its investigation on the events leading up to the death of 11-year-old Jocelynn Rojo Carranza. She died earlier this month. She was hospitalized for several days after attempting suicide.
Jocelynn's relatives spoke out, saying they had heard that there had been bullying at school - and that Jocelynn may have been targeted because of perceptions about the family's immigration status.
A report published by the Gainesville ISD says that Jocelynn witnessed an incident of bullying where Hispanic kids were targeted by a student making remarks about Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Jocelynn reported that incident to a school employee and the district says the student was disciplined.
The district said it did not have any knowledge of bullying targeting Jocelynn before she was hospitalized. However, they did hear from several students during their investigation after she was hospitalized that both Jocelynn and her brother had been bullied.
The district's investigation also found that Jocelynn had told other students she had been inappropriately touched by a relative, but did not want to report it to any adults. That information was passed on to Child Protective Services.
The district's report also states that Jocelynn had spoken with a cousin about harming herself. That cousin informed Jocelynn's mother, but the report notes that the information was not shared with school officials.
"Gainesville ISD takes the safety and well-being of all students, faculty, and staff very seriously," wrote Superintendent Dr. DesMontes Stewart. "We remain committed to addressing concerns swiftly and consistently."
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Tell your Smart Speaker to "PLAY 1080 KRLD"
Sign Up to receive our KRLD Insider Newsletter for more news
Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube