Students at Dream Yard Preparatory School in the Bronx left their classrooms on Monday to protest bullying and gun violence after the tragic shooting death of 15‑year‑old Javits Frimpong. The walkout took place just a few blocks from the location where Frimpong was shot, underscoring the community’s grief and urgency.
Friends and classmates speak out
Friends of Frimpong refuted rumors that he was a loner, emphasizing his strong connections at the school. One student said, “People say Javits didn’t have friends. He has friends. This school, he came and talked to us and talked to us like everyday. Ask anybody. He would be with us everyday. We would go down to lunch together.” Another friend, identified as Ibrahim, added, “Every time somebody speaks to Javits, he stands up for himself. Everybody thinking Javits just sat there and just watched movies and walked over him…He didn’t just stand there and let people look at him like some little person.”
Bullying incident addressed
According to Frimpong’s father, a bullying incident involving his son occurred the previous week and the students involved were suspended. The family described the incident as a one‑time occurrence, and the school’s principal said the administration took immediate steps to address it, assuring students that they feel safe while on campus. However, friends noted that concerns about safety arise once students leave school grounds.
School and city response
The New York City Department of Education declined to comment on the ongoing investigation but confirmed that counseling services are being provided for students affected by the tragedy. In a statement, the department expressed, “Our hearts are with this young person’s family and school community during this unimaginably difficult time.” Police have not yet made any arrests and continue to search for three teenage boys believed to be involved in the shooting.
Community impact
The walkout reflects broader anxieties in the Bronx and across the city about bullying, gun violence, and the safety of young people in schools. Community leaders and parents have called for stronger preventative measures, increased counseling resources, and clearer communication between schools, families, and law‑enforcement agencies.
Looking ahead
As the investigation proceeds, school officials say they will maintain heightened security and continue to work with the Department of Education to support students. The incident has sparked renewed dialogue among educators, parents, and city officials about how to create safer learning environments and address the root causes of bullying and gun violence.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
