A few weeks ago, I painfully overheard three middle school moms discussing the mistreatment of one of their children being accused of bullying: horrified because the school had called the parents to report the incident, angry because their child had been reprimanded and called into the Vice Principal’s office, and reluctant to pause and reflect how discrimination could be classified as bullying.

My heart beat gained momentum, and I instantly felt a sadness for many reasons.

First, because the conversation was one-sided and lacked empathy.

Second, this is the 21st century where consequences for bad behavior have seemed to shift to a collaborative process which stunts growth.

And finally, because the nameless victim was my son, who has systemically received some form of bullying on and off during his entire student career.