WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — As kids prepare to head back to school after break, one Middle Tennessee organization wants to make sure they feel welcomed.
News 2 previously reported on complaints of bullying in Williamson County schools before the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year. Though the district has been making strides when it comes to helping students, there are even more resources available for those who may be struggling.
“When I heard him say all that, I went directly to the principals and I was like just really scared, and I’m still scared to this day to go to that school,” one Williamson County student said during a school board meeting before the start of the 2024-2025 school year.
She stood in between her parents, as she described how a classmate called her a racial slur.
“I was scared when he said he was going to shoot up all the Black people,” she said.
Several months later, parents said they’ve seen a change, but they still want to see more progress.
“They are troubling and frightening when families come forward and share these experiences, but it’s been pretty good,” Revida Rahman explained. “I think the district has been working really hard to try and put some tools in place.”
Rahman is a co-founder of One WilCo, a non-profit organization that works to make sure schools across Williamson County are safe places for students.
According to the School Bullying and Harassment report obtained by News 2, reported incidents have surged over the past two school years. Since then, Rahman has been working to find a solution.
“I think mental health has been something traditionally people of color have not utilized, and we’re coming around and realizing that these things are not normal,” she said.
With the new semester comes a new opportunity to create change. One WilCo has partnered with The Safe Haven — a therapy space for youth — to navigate challenges like identity, inclusion and mental health.
“[It’s] giving those kids an opportunity to connect with other students and to try to just kind of control and make this a better situation and how to lean on each other, how to seek resolution”,” Rahman said.
Sessions will be available starting Monday, Jan. 6 at 5 p.m. and take place every other Monday at Southeast Psych Nashville. You can call (615) 373-9955 for more information.
