Ateneo de Davao dismisses student over bullying incident, forms task force
Ateneo de Davao University has dismissed a Junior High School student after disciplinary proceedings found him responsible for a bullying incident involving a peer.
In an official statement posted on Facebook on Nov. 12, the university said the dismissal took effect immediately. However, its inquiry into other aspects of the incident, including the possible involvement of other students, is still ongoing.
“Our concern remains with the student who was harmed and his family. We recognize their pain and distress, and we will continue to accompany them with care and support,” the university said.
"This incident calls us to humility, reflection, and action. We must face where we have fallen short and strengthen the ways we protect and care for every learner entrusted to us. We owe our students and their families both accountability for what happened and meaningful steps to prevent further harm," it added.
Following the latest development, the university acknowledged the need to strengthen its safeguards and announced the creation of the University Task Force on Bullying Prevention and Safe Learning Environments.
The task force will review how bullying concerns have been reported, addressed, and followed through, including cases from previous years. It will also consult students, parents, faculty, and staff to identify gaps in existing safeguards and recommend improvements.
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Among the areas it will examine are the university's policies, reporting channels, response procedures, and support services. It will also recommend ways to make reporting safer and more accessible, protect students from retaliation, and ensure timely action and continued support for those affected.
The university said it also aims to strengthen training for faculty and staff so they can better recognize signs of bullying and respond appropriately.
The task force will enforce disciplinary measures and look into how the university can reinforce empathy, respect for human dignity, and accountability through its formation programs and pastoral care.
Ateneo de Davao also urged the public to refrain from sharing videos of the incident or details that could identify the minors involved, stressing the need to protect their privacy and dignity.
The university emphasized that "violence and bullying have no place" on campus, adding that perpetrators "will be held accountable, with due process."
"Our commitment to accountability is inseparable from our mission of care and formation," it added.
The announcement comes after videos showing a student being physically assaulted inside a school restroom circulated on social media, prompting public concern over student safety and the university's handling of bullying cases. It reportedly took place at the university's Junior High School campus in Matina, Davao City.
In an earlier statement on Nov. 11, Ateneo de Davao said it referred the case to its Junior High School Child Protection Committee, informed the parents of the children involved, and ensured that the affected student and their family received guidance and counseling support.
The university also said it had reported the incident to the Department of Education and was coordinating with the agency. Its investigation was being conducted in accordance with the school's Student Handbook, Republic Act No. 10627, or the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013, and DepEd's child protection policies.
The Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 requires elementary and secondary schools to adopt policies addressing bullying and establish procedures for reporting and investigating incidents, as well as providing interventions for affected learners.
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