Because he was bullied

Trigger Warning: Suicide

Photo: Folsom Cordova Unified School District

Ronin Shimizu was a 12-year old cheerleader…the only boy on the cheer squad at Folsom Middle School in Folsom, CA.

Ronin Shimizu was passionate about cheerleading.

Ronin Shimizu was bullied and called gay because he was a cheerleader.

Was being the operative term, unfortunately, because earlier this week, the 12-year-old killed himself.

Shimizu’s parents had reported the bullying to school officials on multiple occasions and the pre-teen was being home schooled this year because of the abuse, according to Sacramento station KXTV.

‘So sad to know that people can hurt you that way,’ student Allie Flahive told the station.

Another student said: ‘I heard that people called him gay because he was a cheerleader.’

The school principal informed parents of the suicide via email which read in part: ‘ … While do not know all of the circumstances surrounding Ronin’s passing, we will continue our work to maintain a safe, caring and positive school environment free from bullying and harassment.’

My heart goes out to his grieving family and friends.

I’m not a poet, but I felt the need to write something in response to this tragic death:

Because he was bullied

No more smiling face, nor joyful laughter.

Because he was bullied.

No more hearing his voice, nor watching him sleep.

Because he was bullied.

No more cheering, no more chanting.

Because he was bullied.

No more practice, no more games.

Because he was bullied.

No more rending of gender roles.

Because he was bullied.

No more breath. No more life. No more happiness. No more love.

Because he was bullied.

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Because he was bullied
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