- It has been a year and I still get upset. So many people and entiti...es failed this poor child. First the school -- a photo in workout clothes is not a big deal. People go to the grocery store dressed like that. CPS -- if they were to be involved they needed to get this girl into a protected environment where she could be counseled and helped. The police -- her hair was not shoulder length it was butchered above her ears in a hideous way to humiliate her. And while the father may not have posted the shameful video he made to YouTube or Facebook he had to know that once you record something on the phone the whole world may well see it. Several congressmen have learned this the hard way. Local people with no reason to lie say that the father posted the video in other places and took it down after she died. There is no indication that the police looked into this. And the statement they released to the Tacoma paper about the "shoulder length" hair is completely untrue. But mostly the family failed her. You cannot chop off someone's hair in an ugly way and cut up their clothes and not allow them to run for a position at school and claim that you love them. This is not possible. Some people say this was a "one-time parenting mistake" but that does not ring true. It seems more a definition of who the person is. There are photos of family members in skimpy clothing all over FB and My Space. This sends a message. A family member working in the provocative clothing industry sends a message. This child was confused. She needed love and support. She received a message from her father that she was worthless and he made her look hideous. So sad. I understand her feeling that she had nowhere to turn. See More
- CohmedyAlbum
- Media/News/Publishing
- The Trial DiariesPublic Figure
Slate Magazine, on the rise and history of public shaming and how it relates to Izabel
http://www.slate.com/…/izabel_laxamana_a_tragic_case_in_the…
TacomaStories.com, 6/16/2015. This article comes from a psychological lens.
Case update, 6/12/2015:
Local news outlets (Tacoma, WA) have reported that the Tacoma Police have completed their investigation and will not be taking further action in this case.
It is notable that in all stories this page has reviewed on this development, Izabel herself is portrayed in a significant negative light. As she is the only person in this case who is not able to comment further on her life and thoughts, this page will not republish articles that cast her, (or an...y other minor child who has committed suicide) in a condemning tone. As a community, it remains our duty to continue to unpack the factors that may have been contributory to her life experience and ultimate choice.
Thank you all for your willingness to be a part of that meaningful discussion. If we bring some awareness to the conditions of suffering for young people like Izzy, then we have taken a solid step in restoring some symbolic justice for Izabel.
As always, please remember you are welcome to vent your feelings in messages to this page; but threats, defamation, or name calling posts will be removed.
Tribute video made for Izabel
Update from Jack Cameron of Tacoma Stories, as to his coverage of the events, 6/9/2015:
http://tacomastories.com/…/special-comment-regarding-my-re…/
Community memorial event: Thursday, June 11 2015 at 8:00 pm.
Balloon release/short walk at:
Giaudrone Middle School,
4902 S Alaska St, Tacoma, WA 98408
Justice For Izabel updated their cover photo.
Permission to use this photo was granted by the photo taker.
Please remember: Threatening, defaming, or downright jerk-like comments will end up deleted. If you have the urge to write a very negative comment about this situation, you are welcome to message this site with as much vitriol, concern, and righteous indignation as you feel. It will be understood and not judged (unless it contains a direct threat, then it will be judged). Please feel free to use messages as a place to vent. There are tremendous emotions that this event will likely bring up; these emotions are supported.
Please note that any users of this page who post threats to the family will be deleted. This is not a forum to make such threats.
The Washington Post, 06/08/2015
Mental health services: What? Why? How?
Mental health services are appropriate for individuals and families who are experiencing clinically-significant distress. That means the symptoms are disruptive enough to interfere with work, school, or home life function.
People do not have to have a mental illness to benefit from mental health services. Not everyone in counseling or therapy has a diagnosis such as depression or anxiety. Often, people who are having difficulties adju...sting to grief/loss, abuse, family structure changes, or other life issues can receive important support. Sometimes, distress is a psychologically ‘reasonable’ response to an intolerable situation. The presence of significant emotional states does not mean a layperson should attempt to diagnose someone as mentally ill. Instead, offer to help them find appropriate resources.
People in Pierce County, Washington can access a variety of mental health services for individuals and families. People who are Medicaid-eligible (formerly known as medical coupon) can receive services free of charge. Insurance will also cover these services for individuals and families, to different extents. Sliding scale services are available for those without insurance coverage. To receive services for a minor child, a parent can call the agencies directly or check with the child’s primary care provider to receive a referral for care.
SeaMar Behavioral Health: 253-864-4770
HopeSparks: 253-565-4484
Good Samaritan Behavioral Health: 253-445-8120
Sound Youth Counseling: 253-627-4264
South Hill Family Counseling: 253-848-2805
Catholic Community Services: 253-502-2696
This is not an exhaustive list, just a place to start. In addition, many area schools have partnered with Greater Lakes Behavioral Health and provide licensed mental health care within the school walls to facilitate improved access for students in need. Please feel free to post additional good resources that may be of help to others.
Justice For Izabel shared Duron L. Mccray Jr.'s event.
Community memorial event at the school:
Pierce County Crisis Line: (253) 396-5180 or 1 (800) 576-7764
Washington State Child Abuse Hotline: 866-END-HARM
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1 (800) 273-8255
Justice. What does it mean? How are we using the term here?
Justice comes from the Latin iustitia meaning "righteousness, equity”. There are many types of justice used today: blind justice, vigilante justice, distributive, reparative, and so forth.
Here, at Justice for Izabel, the focus is on a symbolic restoration of justice to Izabel, and the untold others that she symbolizes. This is where reported information will be linked when it is relevant to the factors of this case:... themes of suicide, public shaming, discipline practices, and the development and fostering of healthy self-identity and resilience in children and young people. Other factors such as school treatment, professional responsibility, and so forth will also likely factor in. Restoring justice to the symbolic Izabel means casting light on these factors, and not shying away from the ugliness she experienced that led to her ultimate choice. In doing so, we come closer to preserving/restoring the dignity and personhood of other Izabels and their families.
This is not the place for vigilante justice. Threatening, defaming, or downright jerk-like comments will end up deleted. If you have the urge to write a very negative comment about this situation, you are welcome to message this site with as much vitriol, concern, and righteous indignation as you feel. It will be understood and not judged (unless it contains a direct threat, then it will be judged). Please feel free to use messages as a place to vent. There are tremendous emotions that this event will likely bring up; these emotions are supported.
Prominent national blog Jezebel, 6/4/2015:
http://jezebel.com/13-year-old-girl-dies-by-suicide-after-d…
Parent/caregiver resource.
Parents Anonymous is an excellent support group-style program for parents who may benefit from support around issues they find challenging:
