In a heart-wrenching incident, a 5-year-old Asian preschooler was subjected to bullying and racial slurs by an older middle school student, capturing the attention of the Virginia community. Identified simply as Ashely and Shawn, the devastated parents shared their story with NBC News4 following the discovery of a video depicting the distressing ordeal their young son endured.
The footage, with the 5-year-old’s face obscured and the older child off-camera, revealed the distressing incident where racial slurs, including those rhyming with ‘King Kong,’ were directed at the young victim. The younger child was seen pleading for safety as he ran away from the middle schooler, seeking refuge by ringing the doorbell at his home.
As the 5-year-old begged, “Don’t hurt me,” and tried to shield himself with a jacket, the older child callously joked about the situation before nonchalantly bidding farewell. The video, later shared within a chat group of Eagle Ridge Middle School students, elicited shock and sorrow from a parent in the community who took it upon themselves to inform the victim’s family.
The emotional toll on Ashely and Shawn was palpable as they recounted the incident, expressing profound sadness at their son’s torment. Shawn lamented the slur ‘King Kong,’ grappling with the dilemma of explaining its hurtful connotations to his young child. The parents were dismayed by the lack of intervention from other children present, who callously laughed at the distress of the 5-year-old.
Having relocated to Loudoun County from China in search of a better community and educational environment for their family, Ashely and Shawn found themselves grappling with the harsh reality of racial discrimination. Despite their efforts, the couple faced an unforeseen challenge that left them questioning the safety and acceptance within their chosen neighborhood.
While the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office and Loudoun County Public Schools remained silent on the matter, the school district assured support and counseling for the affected child. The distressing incident sheds light on the pervasive issue of racial discrimination and the urgent need for education and awareness to foster a more inclusive and compassionate community.
As the family navigates this traumatic experience, their resilience serves as a testament to the strength and unity required to combat prejudice and create a safe environment for all individuals. The incident underscores the importance of standing up against intolerance and advocating for a society where every individual, regardless of their background, can feel respected and protected.