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　 The altercation on the bus Miranda came home on Tuesday and told her father a student on the bus was bullying her because she was an atheist. She told him what happened and he asked her what she wo…

The altercation on the bus

Miranda came home on Tuesday and told her father a student on the bus was bullying her because she was an atheist. She told him what happened and he asked her what she would like to do about it. She said she wanted to talk to Mrs. Hart, the guidence councilor, and ask for her advice.

Bernie and I talked it over and agreed to let Miranda handle it her way. Mrs. Hart has know Miranda for years and has always listened and tried to help her with any problem Miranda has gone to her with. Bernie did record Miranda telling her story, so she would have a copy of the details.

When Miranda came home from school the next day she told us that she only had a few minutes to talk to Mrs. Hart , but Mrs. Hart told her to get the other students name so she could speak to the student about his bullying behavior. Miranda did not know his name and when she tried to find it out, he gave her obviously fake names.

I asked Miranda if the boy was in her school last year and she said yes, so we found his picture in her yearbook. Friday afternoon before school let out Bernie and I took the yearbook to Mrs. Hart to show her the students name and make sure Miranda got to sit down with her and explain what happened.

We let Mrs. Hart listen to the recording Mirnada made.

"The boy saw my weeping angel necklace and he asked if it was an angel. I said yes and I don't think he heard me say it was from Doctor Who. I told him it was the most terrifying thing in the universe because its from Doctor Who and if you blink your dead and stuff like that. And so he asked if I was an atheist I said yes. And then he started saying stuff like I shouldn't be alive and I shouldn't be in this world and I shouldn't even be in this country at all. That's what happened."

Mrs. Hart was clearly appalled by what she heard and asked Miranda some follow up questions.

Mrs. Hart- When the boy told you that how did it make you feel?

Miranda- Angry.

Mrs. Hart- What did you do after he said that to you?

Miranda- Nothing. I couldn't think of what to say.

Mrs. Hart- Because you were shocked? Did it shock you what he said?

Miranda- I got off the bus and told my daddy what happened.

Mrs. Hart- You did good Miranda. That is exactly what you should do.

Miranda- I knew I was okay because I have this (she reached into her backpack and pulled out "The Young Atheists Survival Guide") I even met the author! He signed my book! (she opens the book to the signature) It says YAY MATH! because we both like Math!

Mrs. Hart- I am sorry you had that happen to you Miranda and I just want to let you know that you did the right thing telling your parents and telling me. I am going to pull this young man out of class right now and have a talk with him about his behavior. If he speaks to you that way again please let me know so we can take care of it right away.

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Comment by kathy: ky on November 20, 2013 at 11:40pm: I'm proud of you and your daughter. Off topic but a young man in the local store was bashing african americans. Talking to a young woman. It was n----- this and n----- that. I stood up,put the paper I was reading down, walked by the man,placed my hand on his shoulder and said "Excuse me, my grandchildren are bi-racial". (they're not) he almost fell over apologizing. I think he will give it a second thought before he runs his mouth in public like that again. At least I hope so. Point is: sometimes we gotta stand up for what we believe. Your girl did good.

Comment by Loren Miller on November 20, 2013 at 8:43pm: I get the distinct impression that there's a young man out there who is about to get something of a ... life lesson???

Ohyas! <BIG grin!>

Comment by Mickie Lynn Halley on November 20, 2013 at 8:00pm: Mrs. Hart called with a follow up today. The young man started making the sign of the cross at my daughter every time he saw her. He will now be going to counseling once a week where He and Mrs. Hart will be discussing how people are different and differences are okay.

I asked Miranda what did she do when the boy made the sign of the cross at her. She said " I gave him the girl look."

For reference- the "girl look" is the face a girl makes at a boy when he is doing something stupid.

Comment by Loren Miller on November 20, 2013 at 7:16am: You and me both, Dennis. This was textbook-proper handling, and that it happened in a state like South Carolina makes it all the more encouraging.

Comment by Michael Penn on November 20, 2013 at 7:02am: If this went down exactly as written here, it was handled very well. I'm surprised and yet impressed in the way it was handled.

Comment by Mickie Lynn Halley on November 19, 2013 at 9:17pm: @Loren make me blush, but yes the David Silverman gave a talk in Charleston over the weekend to our group The Secular Humanists of the Lowcountry. We have a pretty large active group here in the Charleston area.

Comment by Loren Miller on November 19, 2013 at 9:03pm: "Mr. Silverman?!?" Silverman as in David??? HOOBOY! Me 'at's off to your daughter, Mickie ... and to YOU as one who raised her. Pretty clearly, ya done good!

Comment by Mickie Lynn Halley on November 19, 2013 at 8:47pm: I just want to add that my daughter is 11 years old. Over the weekend she got to meet Mr. Silverman and we told him what happened. living in the deep south I am amazed at the changes that are occurring. My daughter is a much braver more confident child than I am an adult.