Teachers and students rallied in support of the student, who decided to switch schools after the traumatic experience.
Bullied for his disability
A deaf high school student in Nebraska had suffered from years of bullying due to his disability. But the actions of two students during one lunch period nearly broke him.
Two male students took his bag — containing his tablet, school supplies, homework, debit card and a battery for his cochlear implant to help him hear — and dumped its entire contents into a school toilet.
“Those students think it’s okay to bully a deaf student, but it’s not. It’s not okay to bully someone who is disabled, deaf or hard of hearing,” Hernandez told KMTV. “Or anyone for that matter.”
“Today was my kid — tomorrow will be somebody else’s."
Alex Hernandez's mom
Out of Hernandez' pain came an outpouring of support
But Hernandez received support from others straight away. A couple of his teachers replaced his ruined notebooks and other classmates raised money for him through a GoFundMe.
In a video interview, Hernandez said he appreciates all who helped him.
"I wanted to thank all of my friends and those who wrote me for supporting me," he said. "I am very happy. It made me feel like I am not alone."
“They said they felt sorry for me and had me in their prayers," he added. "They said [they] were here supporting me, and they know how it feels like to be deaf.”
Despite the support, Hernandez decided to move schools to be with some of his friends.
“I have friends who are hard of hearing that go there and they say it’s good. They get a lot of support and they don’t get bullied,” Hernandez said.
A message for other victims of bullying
Hernandez finished the video with a powerful message that's worth remembering for all victims of bullying:
"You can move on. Don't give up. Keep going."
Alex Hernandez
Don't let the bullies win
Kids really can be so mean. Unfortunately, bullying will probably continue happening in some shape or form for years to come, but Hernandez is exactly right: It's how we respond that matters.
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