Gainesville, TX – Hundreds gathered in downtown Gainesville on Saturday to mourn the life of an 11-year-old girl who died by suicide. Her family said that classmates bullied her, threatening to call Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on her parents.
Dozens of people carried candles and signs, asking for justice for Jocelynn Rojo Carranza. Her family wore white hoodies with a photo of the girl in heaven with angel wings.
According to her family, Jocelynn spent five days in a Dallas hospital before her death on February 8. The Dallas County medical examiner’s office ruled her death a suicide.
The family said that after Jocelynn’s death, they learned that her classmates threatened to call ICE to take her parents away. They said Jocelynn had gone to a counselor to share what she had experienced.
In a radio interview with KGAF, Gainesville ISD Superintendent DesMontes Stewart said the school wasn’t aware of the bullying, but has now identified students involved. He said Jocelynn was attending a “group to help with coping skills” but “that was nothing related to bullying.”
Gainesville ISD is investigating the bullying allegations, while the Gainesville Police Department is investigating her death.
The Saturday gathering started with speeches from family members, friends, and advocates, and ended with a candlelight circle playing Jocelynn’s favorite song, “Die a Happy Man” by Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga.
“I want people to remember my daughter as a happy girl,” Jocelynn’s mother, Marbella Carranza, told The Dallas Morning News. “She had a favorite t-shirt, a red Spider-Man t-shirt that her uncle gifted her. Since she got that t-shirt from her uncle, she always wore it.”
Many of Jocelynn’s classmates knew of her love for Spider-Man and wore their own matching red t-shirts. Some brought Spider-Man balloons and Spider-Man plush toys.
Dozens of elementary school-aged girls went in front of the crowd to speak about Jocelynn. Many cried, wishing she was still here.
“Jocelynn was my best friend, and I just wish that I could hang out with her one more time,” said Harper Irvin, in tears. “I loved playing the French horn with her. I just wish that I could say my last goodbye.”
Jocelynn’s uncle, Christian Carranza, thanked the crowd and emphasized “bullying is not okay.”
The girl’s father, Ernesto Rojo, advised adults to take care of their children and protect them from any potential harm.
“Say no to bullying and no to racism,” Rojo said in Spanish. “For a better world.”
In attendance were also leaders of the League of United Latin American Citizens, or LULAC — the largest Latino civil rights organization in the country. They said they want to support Jocelynn’s family with anything they need, including fundraising for funeral expenses and potential litigation.
Roman Palomares, the organization’s president, said he wants a transparent investigation into what happened with Jocelynn.
“There’s so much inflammatory rhetoric going on in regards to what this administration is doing, and it’s sad that it gets to the point where children in schools are being asked if they are here legally,” he said. “That’s detrimental to a lot of the students.”
Palomares referred to President Donald Trump’s efforts to conduct mass deportations. The new administration signed a directive allowing immigration agents to operate in formerly “sensitive areas,” which led many students and families to fear that potential raids could happen in schools.
Some Gainesville residents said bullying is a consistent issue within the school district.
Izzy Jennings said her son was bullied four years ago. He went to the same school Jocelynn attended, Gainesville Intermediate.
“I talked to then about how I was concerned about how [the bullying] would lead to suicide,” she said. “Unfortunately, now it has.”
Jennings said the bullying is so bad in the district that years ago parents created a Facebook group called Parents Against Bullying in GISD.
“Connecting with other parents that have been through this, I hear their stories and they were never informed either,” Jennings said. “The district has a history of lack of communication.”
Jennings added that school personnel and administrators should do more for children who are struggling.
“All of these people are mandated reporters. Reports should have been made and they weren’t. And why?” she said.
Rey Lizalde, who organized the Saturday vigil, said the Gainesville community has had enough with bullying.
“Hate has caused this tragedy,” Lizalde said. “The worst thing that could have ever happened happened – the loss of a child, of one of our children.”
He said the school district needs to do more to acknowledge what happened.
“They haven’t even said her name,” Lizalde said. “We need justice for Jocelynn.”
Lilliana Carranza, Jocelynn’s cousin, said she doesn’t want her cousin’s name to be used as “propaganda for a political fight.”
“She was lost because people don’t know how to raise their children to respect others,” Carranza said. “I want those responsible to be held accountable, and I’m praying it never has to happen to anyone else, because no one deserves this.”
Conclusion:
The death of 11-year-old Jocelynn Rojo Carranza is a tragic reminder of the devastating impact of bullying and the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for all students. As the community comes together to mourn her loss, it is crucial that we also work towards creating a society that values empathy, kindness, and respect for all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances.
FAQs:
Q: What was Jocelynn’s story?
A: Jocelynn Rojo Carranza, an 11-year-old girl, died by suicide after being bullied by her classmates, who threatened to call ICE on her parents.
Q: What was the response from the school district?
A: The school district has launched an investigation into the bullying allegations, and the police department is investigating her death.
Q: What is being done to address the issue of bullying in the school district?
A: The district has identified students involved in the bullying and is working to create a safe and supportive environment for all students.
Q: What can be done to prevent bullying in schools?
A: Creating a culture of kindness, empathy, and respect, and providing support and resources for students who are struggling, can help to prevent bullying and promote a positive and inclusive school environment.
