Ateneo de Davao dismisses junior high student over bullying incident
The university says its inquiry into other students' possible involvement continues, as a new task force begins a 90-day review of anti-bullying measures.
Ateneo de Davao University in Davao City has dismissed a Junior High School student found responsible for a bullying incident after completing disciplinary proceedings, SunStar reported.
In a statement released on the evening of Thursday, Nov. 12, the university said the proceedings observed due process and that the dismissal took effect immediately. It added that its inquiry into other aspects of the incident, including whether other students were involved, is still ongoing.
The decision came a day after the school said it had referred the reported incident to its Junior High School Child Protection Committee and was finalising the committee's findings. The university said it remains concerned for the student who was harmed and his family, and will continue to provide them with care and support.
In a separate memorandum dated Nov. 12 and shared on Facebook by the student publication Atenews, University President Fr. Karel S. San Juan, SJ, created a University Task Force on Bullying Prevention and Safe Learning Environments with an initial 90-day mandate.
The task force will examine policies, reporting channels, supervision, unsafe spaces and online interactions across all units, from Grade School to the graduate and professional schools. It will consult students, parents, faculty and staff, and recommend improvements to reporting, response procedures, counselling and protection against retaliation. It is expected to submit an initial report within 30 days, propose a common response protocol by day 60, and present a university action plan by day 90.
Atty. Niceforo V. Solis Jr. will chair the body. According to the memorandum, existing child protection and disciplinary bodies will keep handling cases, and the task force will not be an added step for students seeking help through established channels.
The university also asked the public not to share videos of the incident or any details that could identify the minors involved.
"Violence and bullying have no place at Ateneo de Davao University. Those responsible for harming others will be held accountable, with due process," the university said.
Why it matters for Davao
Parents and students across Ateneo de Davao's school levels can expect a review of how bullying is reported and handled, with an action plan due within 90 days.
This article was written by the DavaoNews desk with AI assistance, using reporting by SunStar. Facts come from the original report, which we credit and link below. Our editorial policy
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