Family of Teen Who Died after Alleged Bullying Asks AUHSD to Take Action

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Family and friends of an Anaheim Union High School District teenager who died following alleged bullying incidents at Lexington Junior High School showed up at the October 16 school board meeting pleading with district leaders to take action.

According to her family, 13-year-old Mia Leah Mejia experienced several incidents of bullying at the school in Cypress last school year. They allege Mia was shoved into a wall and had her laptop broken. She took her own life in March.

At the Oct. 16 meeting, Mia’s mother, father, sister, brother, and many supporters addressed the board during the public comment portion of the meeting. Many speakers wore white t-shirts featuring photos of Mia.

“I humbly ask you to support my family, honor my sister’s memory, and take meaningful action so that no other family has to endure what we’re living through right now,” Stephanie Mejia, Mia’s older sister and one-time Lexington student, told the board.

She asked for the AUHSD to enact grief and support groups for Mia’s friends and classmates led by a licensed mental health professional and for students and staff to take anti-bullying and suicide education. 

“I know you cannot bring back my daughter, but you have the power to make this right,” Veronica Mejia, Mia’s mother, told the board while fighting back tears. “Let’s show our students and ourselves that Anaheim Union High School District stands for something.” 

“We are not here to accuse,” Gustavo Mejia, Mia’s father, told the board speaking in Spanish. “We are here to ask you to join us to show this community and every student watching that when a child loses their life they are not just reduced to a statistic or a closed case, their life becomes a call to action.” 

After members of the Mejia family and their supporters spoke, Board President Brian O’Neal stated that while he was not authorized to directly respond to speakers, he wanted them to know that the board is listening and that trustees take what they have to say to heart. “It doesn't fall on deaf ears,” O’Neal said.

He added, “On behalf of the board, I want to extend our sincere condolences and sympathy to the Mejia family and their friends. … Our hearts go out to you. So thank you for being here speaking to us.”

Some other speakers accused the district of violating California Education Code and alleged that Mia’s accused bullies were not disciplined. Spotlight Schools reached out to the AUHSD over email with specific questions and we are awaiting a response.

Last month, when asked in an email message about Mia’s case, AUHSD spokesperson John Bautista wrote: “out of respect for the privacy of students and families, we are not able to comment on the specifics of the situation.”

Right now the district is promoting October as Bullying Prevention Month. In recent Instagram posts, the district shared how it partners with "incredible organizations to empower students" including Waymakers and Girls Inc. The district also stated it uses “Capturing Kids’ Hearts strategies to build strong, trusting relationships — the foundation of safe and connected classrooms.” In a post this week, the district shared it uses the StopIt App for anonymous reporting of bullying as well the tool Linewize, which can monitor online activity for bullying and potential dangers.

Mejia’s family said they are seeking more action on the issue of bullying at schools. The family has launched a website detailing Mia's case. On the website, Mia's parents also ask people who may have witnessed incidents of bullying involving Mia and two boys in her band class to provide information by emailing or submitting an online form. 

Spotlight Schools will continue to follow this story and will update our coverage as we get more information. 

Story written and reported by Jeannette Andruss and Germaine Neumann-Chau.