2 versions emerge of bullying in Lasalle high school

MONTREAL – The father of the boy accused of bullying a Lasalle high school student – and breaking his jaw – spoke out on Friday.

He alleged that it was in fact his son who was the victim.

“He’s been picked on by this child for a long time now,” said the father, whose name Global News is withholding to protect the identity of his son.

For the most part, both parties agree on what happened next: McWhirter hit the floor face first, requiring stitches and having his jaw wired shut.

Police have confirmed they have launched an investigation in the matter and they are considering a charge of assault resulting in bodily harm.

Crystal McWhirter, Kyle’s mother, alleged her son was the victim of bullying.

“He’s always with the girls . . . he’s a lover not a fighter,” she said.

McWhirter believed the children were not being sufficiently supervised, something school board officials have denied.

According to Suanne Stein Day, a chair of the Lester B. Pearson School Board, at the time of the episode, there were two hall monitors in the school’s lobby, where the incident occurred.

Stein Day also said that she never heard the case referred to as “bullying” until Thursday when she spoke to Global News.

READ MORE: 12-year-old student suffers broken jaw, chin at Montreal-area high school

She also said she was “heartbroken” when she heard news of the situation.

Bullying is frequently a problematic situation for educators, who often find themselves struggling to deal with various versions of events and finding the proper response.

According to the president of the union that represents teachers at the Lester B. Pearson School Board, there are many questions that need to be addressed.

“What kind of sanctions should be imposed?” asked John Connelly.

“Should we involve any non-teachers in the situation or health care professionals?”