Boy Gets Nearly Suspended For Defending Blind Classmate, Thousands Rally In Outrage
Cody Pine, a student who defended a visually impaired boy against a bully, faced potential backlash from his school for stepping in, which prompted an outpouring of support worldwide.
Shocking sight
It was lunchtime at Huntington Beach High School when footage captured a visually impaired child being bullied and assaulted by another student.
Fellow classmate Grant Morels gave KCAL9 saw it all unfold.
"I saw like a half-circle around a group of kids and I wanted to see what was up. I see this kid like getting wailed on by another kid."
- Grant Morels, Huntington Beach High School student
A jarring save
Suddenly, Grant's step-brother Cody swooped in and knocked the bully down with a single punch. He then hovered above him asking why he was 'jumping a blind kid.'
Shortly afterwards, police arrived and arrested the bully for misdemeanour battery and released him to his parents.
Meanwhile, the student who intervened was free to go, but wasn't off the hook. Despite the footage and witnesses, the school said it would still investigate Cody's actions, citing their 'zero-tolerance' policy on violence.
“The school is now responding to this isolated incident by interviewing students and witnesses to determine exactly what happened," the district said in its statement.
A hero's welcome
The incident sparked an online petition that has gathered nearly 80,000 responses.
The petition stated that 'while violence is never the best option what Cody did to defend his friend and classmate was justified."
Commenters flooded the site with words of support.
Said one: 'The hero did the right thing. Don't punish a kid for doing the right thing!!!!'
"Great job! Our future is in good hands because of young men such as yourself."
- Jeff Smith, pettioner
'The day you punish people who protect the helpless is the day you've lost humanity. Don't be STUPID!' protested another.
Celebrate heroes
Huntington Beach student Maya Jensen applauded Cody's courage.
"A lot of people are calling him a hero and I would as well for stepping in when no one else did and decide to just film it instead."
- Maya Jensen, Huntington Beach High School student
It's often hard to do the right thing, especially when everyone else is standing by. Courage comes with risks of harm or even job loss.
However, Cody decided that the biggest risk was standing by as a helpless friend was being abused. And while violence should never be celebrated, his acting to do what's right should.
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Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.