Months of Harassment Over Immigration Status
Jocelynn Rojo Carranza, an 11-year-old sixth grader at Gainesville Intermediate School in Texas, died by suicide after enduring relentless bullying from classmates. Peers allegedly targeted her over her family’s immigration status, with some telling her she would be left alone if her family were deported. There is no indication that the Carranza family was living in the U.S. illegally.
School Counseling but No Family Notification
The bullying became so severe that Jocelynn sought support from a school counselor multiple times a week. However, her family was not informed of the situation until after her suicide attempt.
On February 3, Jocelynn’s mother, Marbella Carranza, received a call notifying her that her daughter had attempted suicide at home. She was rushed to an intensive care unit in Dallas but succumbed to her injuries on February 8, according to a GoFundMe page set up by the family.
“I waited a whole week for a miracle that my daughter would be well, but unfortunately, nothing could be done,” Marbella Carranza told Univision. “My daughter will always live for me, and I will always love her.”
Gainesville ISD’s Response to Bullying Allegations
The Gainesville Independent School District (ISD) expressed its commitment to student safety.
“The top priority of Gainesville ISD is to ensure a safe and comfortable learning environment for all students,” a spokesperson told Newsweek. “Because of this, we take any reports of bullying very seriously and have a zero-tolerance policy.”
Despite these policies, Marbella Carranza is working with investigators and school officials to understand why her family was not notified of the bullying her daughter endured.
“Whenever we receive a report of bullying, we respond swiftly to ensure all students are safe physically and emotionally,” the school district stated, adding that its policies allow students and parents to report harassment.
The district also emphasized its ongoing efforts to prevent bullying:
“We have been, and will continue to be, proactive in our efforts to ensure our schools are safe, secure, and free from harassment.”
Immigration Fears and Mental Health Concerns
Jocelynn’s death has drawn attention to the challenges immigrant families face, with some children subjected to threats and intimidation related to their family’s immigration status.
Resources for Those in Crisis
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, help is available. Call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741, or visit 988lifeline.org.
Thank you for publishing the story of Jocelynn Rojo Carranza. It is a tragedy. It deserves to be headline news, along with all the children suffering in war zones in too many places.