For 40 full minutes, Cequan Haskins, 10, was abused by a pair of 15-year-old bullies on his own school bus back in May 2011.
STORY: The Real Dark Knights: Taking Bullets For Their Girlfriends by Michael Skolnik
They called him names, made sexual and racial slurs, and held a scorching cigarette lighter to his skin.
In the video, which took place in Appomattox County, Virginia, the boy can be heard screaming and begging the bullies to stop. But Cequan’s yells are to no avail.
Cequan’s mother, Roxanne Haskins, only released the video at a press conference on Friday, July 20, 2012.
She said of the video:
“I wanted parents to be aware, that when I speak out, I’m speaking out for all kids. But unfortunately, this did happen to my child, and I want parents to be aware of what’s going on in the school system, My son, he was a special needs child and he didn’t deserve this. He was entitled to a safe transportation just like any other child in the Appomattox County Public School System.”
The mother added that Cequan was left with physical and emotional scars as a result of the torment.
He continues to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder and has undergone hours of therapy.
Both of the teens involved were found guilty of disorderly conduct, assault and battery.
Ms. Haskins has launched a civil case against the Appomattox County School Board and is awaiting a trial date.
