GOODYEAR, Ariz. — A West Valley mother is calling for stricter bullying consequences after she said her son was attacked at school by another student.
Kristina Guglielmo said her 11-year-old son, a sixth grader at Westar Elementary, is still experiencing medical issues more than two weeks after the incident.
"The principal called me and said there was an altercation," Guglielmo said "It was unprovoked, and he was assaulted."
The student, an 11-year-old girl, allegedly punched the boy several times.
Guglielmo said she took her son to the emergency room with cuts and swelling all over his face.
"He said I didn't want to defend myself because she's a girl, but when I watched the video, I realized he wouldn't even be able to defend himself," Guglielmo said.
Guglielmo said the girl was suspended for eight days, which she doesn't believe was severe enough.
"You can't just bully kids and get away with it. It should be a no tolerance policy," Guglielmo said.
Liberty Elementary School District told 12News the length of the girl's suspension was at the higher end of their discipline matrix, which is approved by the elected governing board.
A spokesperson sent a statement saying in part the district "is fully committed to a safe learning environment that is supported by a transparent and fair discipline process."
Liberty Elementary School District Governing Board President Michael Todd resigned following the incident.
Todd said he "lost faith in the leadership of the district" in a post on Facebook.
12News reached out to Todd for comment on his decision to resign, but did not immediately get a response.
Goodyear Police confirmed they're also investigating the incident. Their department submitted assault charges to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office.
12News reached out to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office about the case, but did not immediately get a response.
Guglielmo said the girl is back at school, and her son is terrified.
She wants the student who allegedly hurt her son to be expelled.
"He shouldn't be the one to have to leave. He's a great kid. He gets great grades. He's never had any type of disciplinary action and I feel like this student really needs a higher level of care before she hurts someone else," Guglielmo said.
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