Kavon Ward, a Black mother from Culver City, California, has been banned from her daughter’s elementary school after years of reporting bullying incidents against her 7-year-old daughter, Semira.
Now, Ward is preparing to take legal action against the school district for failing to protect her child.
Semira has reportedly endured two years of verbal and physical abuse from classmates, beginning in the first grade.
According to Atlanta Black Star, the bullying included being punched, kicked, and having objects thrown at her, despite multiple complaints and interventions by the school.
“They said they would have eyes on her at all times, which is why I got upset and cursed [the principal] out,” Ward said, explaining her frustration over the lack of effective action.
In April, a teacher informed Ward that three boys had been targeting Semira.
While the school investigated and implemented measures such as monitoring Semira and allowing her to choose her classroom, the bullying persisted. In December, another violent incident occurred, leaving Semira emotionally distressed.
Ward’s frustration boiled over in early December when she confronted the school principal, leading to a public altercation. The school then banned Ward from campus, citing concerns over “disrupting operations” and “threatening safety.” Ward denies these claims, saying her only threat was legal action.
“This is what they do to Black women,” Ward said. “When I curse you out because these kids are physically harming my kid, you ban me from campus and make me out to be public enemy No. 1.”
Rumors have since circulated among parents alleging Semira threatened other students, which Ward vehemently denies. Semira is now journaling about her experiences and undergoing counseling to cope with the emotional toll.
Ward is demanding accountability from the school, calling for the principal’s termination and the transfer of the students responsible for bullying Semira.
She has also met with the district’s board president but says no adequate steps have been taken.
The Culver City Unified School District has stated that it takes bullying seriously but declined to comment on Ward’s specific complaints.
Ward remains determined to seek justice through legal channels, highlighting what she describes as neglect of her daughter’s safety and a lack of support for families facing similar challenges.
