Ateneo dismisses student in bullying video

MANILA, Philippines (Updated 5:11 p.m.) — Ateneo De Manila University on Sunday reported its decision to dismiss the junior high school student caught bullying another student in a washroom of its junior high school.

Fr. Jose Ramon Villarin SJ, ADMU president, said the decision was made “after a thorough investigation that included listening to all parties involved.”

“This means that he is no longer allowed to come back to the the Ateneo. I have spoken to the parents of both students about this decision and we have offered the families continued support to help them overcome this difficult time,” Villarin said in a university memorandum released Sunday.

'Most serious of penalties'

The student handbook of the Ateneo's Senior High School lists fighting and phsyical assault as among the violations that can lead to dismissal.

The Code of Discipline of the Ateneo's Grade School notes that "expulsion/dismissal is the most serious of penalties" and that "a student is expelled or dismissed only if he commits an offense that merits separation from the Ateneo or after probation was attempted but failed to effect the desired improvement on the part of the erring student."

Under the Department of Education Manual of Regulations for Private Schools "expulsion is an extreme form of administrative intervention" which will debar—exclude or disqualify—the student from all private and public schools. Among the violations that could merit expulsion is "instigating, engaging in activities resulting in damage to campus or school facilities, property or injury to persons."

Villarin said the university is continuing its probe into the other matters involving the incident.

Viral videos

In separate videos that circulated online, a junior high school student was seen verbally bullying his peers and assaulting a schoolmate in a campus comfort room.

The videos that went viral sparked outrage from netizens who condemned bullying in any form and called on the Ateneo to expel the student. It also spawned abusive comments against the boy, a minor.

RELATED: Psychiatrist on Ateneo incident: Don’t bully the bully

In his memorandum, Villarin reiterated that the Ateneo is very clear on its stand against bullying.

“These are already policies and processes codified in the Student Handbook, all in accord with existing legislation, but we still need to ensure that these policies and processes as well as the values they promote are internalized by all members of the community,” the university president said.

“We acknowledge that this incident has inflicted widespread and profound pain not only on the persons involved and their families, but on each member of our community as well,” he added.

The university administration also said that it has created a task force to conduct a comprehensive study on the current situation that would ensure “an independent audit of its present measures and systems, and promptly recommend to administration how it can create a safer and bully-free environment.”

“Such an environment shall prevent a culture of silence from harming our students and encourage everyone to speak up against bullying and other forms of misconduct without fear of retaliation or censure,” Villarin said.

“Such an environment will empower our students to become the Ateneans we all desire them to be for others,” he added.

Palace hopes ADMU will finish probe 'soonest'

Malacañang in a statement Sunday praised Ateneo de Manila University for its swift action on the bullying incident but called on the school to finish its investigation soon. 

"The Palace commends the school administration’s swift action on the case of this student. We note, however, that the investigation has yet to be concluded as regards the rest of those involved," presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said in a statement. 

"While we respect ADMU's academic freedom, we hope that it could finish the ongoing investigation the soonest and with regard to due process, in line with applicable jurisprudence on schools," he added. 

Panelo urged all educational institutions in the country to establish proper mechanisms to strictly monitor the activities of their students and ensure the strict implementation of the Anti-Bullying Law.

"We are aware of several incidents of bullying that go unpunished by schools. We hope that this occurrence will serve as a reminder that bullying is something that should never be tolerated nor condoned in any civilized institution," the presidential spokesman said.

'Parents should be good examples' 

Malacañang also advised parents and guardians to "keep guiding their children towards righteousness" and "to set a good example of uprightness for the youth to emulate." 

"We consider this incident as a lesson for us to encourage our children to be more open when it comes to expressing their concerns both inside and outside their schools," Panelo said.  

"As adults, our children look up to us for support and guidance. We cannot stress enough how important it is for us to spend quality time with them during their growing years, especially in a generation where modern technology has become a fierce competitor for the youth’s time and attention," he added. 

Presidential communications Martin Andanar expressed hope that everyone would learn from the bullying incident. 

"Let's now move forward knowing well that there are moral values and laws we need to abide by or follow. Bullying has no place in our society. Let's forgive and peacefully celebrate Christmas," Andanar said in a text message. 

Andanar said there is no point in bullying the student who threatened and hurt his classmates. He advised the parents of the student not to bring the child to public places like malls to avoid confrontation with those who were angered by the incident.