I know I am not the only one watching the news in recent weeks about bullying in schools. It pains me to see kids in such control of an institution meant for learning.

In the last few weeks, I have really been paying attention to our school here in Lampasas. I have heard about teachers being humiliated, kids being picked on because they have freckles or because they don’t tan due to being redheads, and so many things it would take a whole edition to list them. Sit in the parking lot before or after school and just listen!

People ask what can be done since there are so many students in the schools, and they cannot be watched every second of the day. I think an example must be made. I think the students in Lampasas would benefit from sensitivity training. I say we get tougher on them, make the punishment severe enough that they start to watch what they say and do.

I hate that the school’s hands are tied with legalities any more. This never would have happened when I was in school. It was not tolerated.

I hate going up to the school to wait on my kids and listening to the taunts and the name calling in the parking lot. School is hard enough without bullies being added to the mix.

Kelli Walker