Alex Hernandez, a Nebraska high school senior who faced relentless bullying because of his deafness, has gained national attention after bravely sharing his story.
Hernandez, a student at Burke High School in Omaha, revealed his ordeal following a distressing incident during lunch in 2016.
Someone stole his backpack and dumped its contents into a toilet, soaking important items such as school supplies, homework, his debit card, and, most devastatingly, the battery for his cochlear implant, which is critical to his ability to hear.
A photo of the damaged belongings quickly went viral, generating widespread interest and outrage.
Bullied #deaf student at Burke H.S. overwhelmed by support, wants to transfer schools https://t.co/m9WnOxK5o1 pic.twitter.com/tfgaQYL1KG
— KMTV 3 News Now (@3NewsNowOmaha) September 6, 2016
According to CNN affiliate KMTV, Hernandez reported the theft to school administrators, who assisted him in searching for the missing bag. Security footage showed two male students stealing the backpack, but Hernandez did not recognize them.
Reflecting on the experience, Hernandez expressed frustration with the culture of bullying towards students with disabilities: “Those students believe it is acceptable to bully a deaf student, but it is not.” It is unacceptable to bully someone who is disabled, deaf, or hard of hearing. “Or anyone for that matter.”
The incident sparked outpourings of support from both the local community and across the country, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and stronger action against bullying, particularly among students with disabilities.
Hernandez’s bravery in speaking out has inspired many others to advocate for inclusivity and kindness in schools.
Hernandez, who has been deaf since he was one year old, revealed that he has endured years of bullying and jokes as a result of his disability. The missing backpack incident was the final straw, leaving him feeling unsafe to return to school. “This has gotten out of hand.
There’s too much bullying, too much drama, too much fighting; it’s just not nice,” he said, adding that the most upsetting aspect for him was the destruction of his English project.
“I was very upset because I know I work really hard on my project and homework because I just want to make my mom to be happy and know that I did a good job on the homework,” Hernandez said.
Students rally to replace bullied deaf student's supplies found in toilet https://t.co/TAET3wUjaG pic.twitter.com/tfIXr2tpuB
— Fox News Health (@foxnewshealth) September 8, 2016
The teen’s mother told reporters that the school informed her that administrators were eventually able to identify the two students who stole her son’s backpack. The boys, whose names were not disclosed due to student privacy laws, claimed they had no idea Hernandez was deaf.
One of the students was suspended, and the other was still being investigated for his involvement in the incident. “I just want to talk to them; I do not want to fight them. I’d like to talk it out. And tell their parents about it so they know they need to teach their children the right thing to do,” the bullied teen’s mother said.
“It’s not fair that the bullies think they can continue with this behavior,” she told me. “They need to be reminded that there are consequences for stealing and bullying. “Today was my kid; tomorrow will be someone else’s.”
According to CNN, there was a silver lining to Hernandez’s unfortunate situation. A few of his teachers replaced his ruined notebooks, and other classmates banded together to raise money for him.
In response to the support he received from both close friends and people all over the country, Hernandez stated, “I wanted to thank all of my friends and those who wrote me for their support. I am extremely happy. It made me feel like I wasn’t alone.
He added that the majority of those who wrote to him are also deaf. “They said they felt sorry for me and would remember me in their prayers. They said they were here to support me and understand what it’s like to be deaf. So I’m very happy,” he stated.
However, the traumatic incident was too much for the teen to bear, and he eventually decided to transfer out of Burke. “It is his decision. Whatever happens, I’ll be there for him. “I definitely don’t want him going to that school if he doesn’t feel safe,” the teen’s mother stated.