ECNETNews, New York, NY, Tues. Feb. 20, 2024: The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) has expressed devastating sorrow over the untimely death of 11-year-old Jocelynn Rojo Carranza, a young Latina whose tragic passing has reverberated across Gainesville, Texas, and the nation. Jocelynn’s mother disclosed that her daughter faced relentless bullying stemming from her family’s immigration status—bullying that school officials purportedly knew about but failed to address or inform her family.
Jocelynn passed away on February 8, just five days after her mother discovered her unresponsive at their home. Her funeral was held on Wednesday, marking a heartbreaking farewell to a child whose life ended too soon. LULAC, the nation’s largest Hispanic civil rights organization, is calling for a comprehensive investigation into the events leading to Jocelynn’s death, demanding accountability from those who failed to safeguard her.
Calls for Justice and Accountability
“Our hearts are heavy for Jocelynn’s family. No child should ever feel so alone and tormented that they see no other way out than to take their own life,” stated LULAC National President. “We insist that authorities investigate this tragedy thoroughly, including the bullying claims, and hold accountable any adults who neglected their responsibilities. School officials, as mandated reporters, had a duty to protect Jocelynn, and if they did nothing, they should face consequences.”
Marbella Carranza, Jocelynn’s mother, revealed to local media that she was uninformed about the bullying her daughter faced at Gainesville Intermediate School. She discovered Jocelynn had been receiving school counseling only after consulting with investigators. “The school knew everything, yet they never informed me about my daughter’s situation,” she said.
Reports indicate that fellow students harassed Jocelynn, threatening her with comments about immigration authorities taking her parents away. The Gainesville Independent School District (GISD) has not confirmed its awareness of these incidents but emphasized its commitment to addressing bullying issues.
LULAC Advocates for Stronger Student Protections
LULAC is urging GISD and law enforcement to disclose the full findings of their investigations and to establish stricter measures to combat bullying and discrimination in schools. The organization is also appealing to Texas lawmakers to implement tougher policies that require schools to promptly notify parents when a child reports bullying.
“The bullying that led Jocelynn to this horrific act reflects a broader, troubling reality: racial hate speech and discrimination are infecting our schools and communities,” commented LULAC National Vice President for Youth. “We cannot allow another child to suffer a similar fate due to ignorance and hatred. We urge all Americans to unite in demanding an end to the racism and xenophobia that harm Latino families.”
As investigations proceed, Jocelynn’s family and community are left to cope with the profound loss of a bright girl who deserved a future filled with promise. LULAC has vowed to support her family and seek justice in her name, advocating for systemic changes to ensure no child endures the hardships she faced. A local mother revealed that her daughter began coming home distressed over the bullying directed at her Hispanic friends, sharing alarming comments overheard at school regarding deportation.
A National Call to Action
This tragedy has sparked nationwide discussions about the urgent need for schools to intensify their efforts against bullying, particularly concerning racial or immigration-related issues. Advocates are calling on school districts across the country to enhance transparency with parents, enforce zero-tolerance bullying policies, and prioritize the mental health and well-being of all students.
Jocelynn’s heart-wrenching story serves as a stark reminder that words carry weight and that inaction can lead to devastating consequences. Her family, LULAC, and concerned citizens nationwide are now demanding justice and significant change to protect at-risk children from silent suffering.
