Student victim of alleged attack and consistent bullying

LEWISBURG, WV (WVNS) – An elementary school student was allegedly attacked, his parents claiming he was the victim of countless instances of bullying.

Dorie Miller Park in Lewisburg is usually a quiet and peaceful place for families to enjoy the nice weather.

On Friday, May 31, 2024, the park was the location of an alleged attack of a 5th grader by fellow students.

BJ Harris is a 5th grader at Lewisburg Elementary School. BJ’s parents, Sonya and Jermaine Harris, tell 59News their son was the victim of bullying and harassment the entire school year.

During a ‘Family Day’ at Dorie Miller Park, an event sanctioned by the school, BJ and his sister Sorinea said a group of boys harassed BJ and started a fight during a game.

“A kid actually grabbed [the bat] when BJ was in motion to grab it. [The kid] grabbed it from him,” said Sorinea.

“The boy who was arguing with my sister came up and pushed me. So, that’s when I hit him back,” said BJ.

BJ said he was jumped by 4 boys. BJ and his sister said no teachers were present at the time of the fight.

Sorinea said the cops were called on her because she was believed to be an adult when, in reality, she is 17.  She says she was there to enjoy the event with her brother and stepped in to break up the fight between the boys.

The Harris family pressed charges against the boys they say attacked their son.

“I didn’t want to do that but I had to because it has been happening all year long, and the school knew about it but didn’t do anything,” said Jermaine Harris.

Jermaine Harris told us he wants to see changes in the school system when it comes to children of color.

“I am not very happy with Greenbrier Count right now, and the thing is I am an employee there. So, just to see this stuff is happening to our colored kids…I am very unhappy,” said Jermaine.

Sonya Harris says she wishes for Greenbrier County schools to expand on their ethnic knowledge and how to handle bullying situations for children of different races.

59News has reached out to Lewisburg Elementary School but has yet to hear back.

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