All forms of bullying are cruel, intolerable, and hurtful — but when the targets are helpless children, the wickedness of it is doubled.
Unfortunately, nearly every day another shocking incident of bullying hits the news. Thankfully, though the issue perseveres, more and more kids are taking a stand — like these middle school boys who fought relentlessly for their friend with special needs.
But at Huntington Beach High School in California, one 17-year-old is being punished for standing up to a particularly cruel and violent bully, and the internet is up in arms.
When he witnessed a partially blind classmate being attacked by a bully, Cody knew that he had to step in. The confrontation was captured on film, and has since gone completely viral.
Police were quickly alerted to the scene, and school officials have made decisions about suspension according to their strict "zero tolerance" violence policy.
However, their final verdict may shock you…
Scroll further to watch filmed footage of the incident, and let us know what you think about this decision in the comments below.
The heroic teen has since been identified as junior student Cody Pines, 17. In the video, he first quickly checks on the victim, Austin, before turning to the bully and shouting, “You trying to jump a f***ing blind kid, bro? What the f*** is your problem?”
According to the Huntington Beach Police, the attacker was arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor battery, and has since been released to his parents. Cody, unfortunately, has been suspended and even kicked off the football team.
Huntington Beach police officer Jennifer Marlatt, who responded on the scene, said that the fight escalated after the victim walked past the attacker during lunch break. Many students have commented that the victim appeared to have been assaulted for no reason.
Officer Marlatt did, however, tell My News LA that Austin and the attacker have a bad history of “not getting along.” The fight did not appear to have anything to do with the victim’s physical impairment.
School officials decided to suspend Cody due to the school’s zero-tolerance policy on violence. A website has been set up, campaigning for Cody to be reinstated on the football team. The petition, which can be found on the website, has already received more than 16,000 supporters.
“We believe [Cody] should be back on his football team and back in school where he belongs. While violence is never the best option what Cody did to defend his friend and classmate was justified,” the website reads.
Cody, however, simply saw his intervention as a necessity. He didn’t plan to lay hands on the bully, but “when you punch a blind kid, that’s what made me so mad,” Cody told FOX LA. “I kinda regretted it, but I kinda didn’t, because if I didn’t, Austin would’ve been more hurt.”
Cody only wishes that others will take away a positive message. “I hope everyone hangs out with [Austin] now and show him love, because Austin deserves it,” he said. “He’s such a cool kid.”
The school is currently reviewing the incident, and will continue to stress a safe and secure learning environment for the students. We will be sure to make updates if there are any new decisions regarding Cody's suspension.
Watch the video below to see the students' interview on The Dr. Phil Show:
What do you think about the school's decision to suspend Cody? Let us know below!
Click here to visit the campaign petition against Cody's suspension.
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