Parents frustrated over campus violence after student stabbed at Southern California middle school

Frustrated parents are seeking change after a student was stabbed at a San Bernardino County middle school.

Sandra Aguilar's son, an eighth grader, was hospitalized after being stabbed by another student at Frisbie Middle School in Rialto on Oct. 11.

The boy was reportedly protecting another student from a bully when the violent attack unfolded.

The injured boy was transported to the hospital for wounds on his arm and was later released. He has not returned to campus since the incident.

Aguilar said the stabbing is just one example of the ongoing bullying issues that have plagued the school for years. She now feels conflicted about allowing her son to return to class.

"To be honest, I don't know what to do," Aguilar said. "Because my son feels like he's a victim. He wants to go back because it's his last year [at the school]."

Since the assault, school administrators held a town hall meeting on Tuesday to address parents' increasing concerns.

"I want you guys to know that it is true that sometimes complaints fall on deaf ears," a school administrator said at the meeting. "It is true that sometimes children report things and it's not always followed up. We can all say that as parents, every time a child says something, it doesn't mean it's true, but in regards to bullying and safety, it should be looked at."

The meeting grew heated at times as parents shared stories about their children being bullied while some accused officials of not addressing the complaints.

Aguilar said issues of rampant bullying have affected her son since he arrived on campus over two years ago. She feels administrators have failed to protect her child in a place where he should have been safe.

Video: Student hospitalized after being stabbed at Southern California middle school

Her son was also bullied when he was in sixth grade. Aguilar said the perpetrator was eventually expelled, but only after she filed multiple complaints.

"I feel like everyone else didn't want to hear me," Aguilar said of her complaints. "At the very least, I deserve an apology — to me, my husband and my son."

Campus officials have since apologized to Aguilar and confirmed the student involved in the stabbing was removed from the school.

School staff has encouraged parents to voice their concerns to administrators while also acknowledging a child's behavior begins at home.

Aguilar said she agrees, but also feels there hasn't been much progress to address potential violence.

Just last year, she told school staff she saw a student with a knife in his backpack but was frustrated with their alleged inaction.

"I even mentioned metal detectors and they told me, 'We will talk to the district about that.' But meanwhile, we're going to start searching backpacks randomly."

After parents were notified of the stabbing, many arrived quickly to remove their children from the premises while expressing concern to KTLA.

"This is where I send my daughter for her to be safe, to get an education," said a worried parent. "Now I'm concerned about other children harming my child. It's just scary."

"There have been multiple fights already, but it's gotten worse," said Valeria Ceja, a parent.

Rialto Unified School District officials have not released details on the disciplinary measures taken against the student accused of the stabbing. Aguilar was only told that the boy would not be returning to campus.

A school board meeting will be held on Wednesday night, allowing parents and community members to voice their concerns and frustrations.