School Promises Changes After Student Bullied Out Of Class

FAIRFIELD (CBS13) -- High school officials said they will implement changes after a student said he was forced to stay away from school due to extreme harassment over his sexual orientation.

Chris Freitag said he stopped attending classes at Rodriguez High School last week after verbal and physical bullying pushed him past the breaking point and into a depression.

"I was having nightmares, not sleeping for more than 30 minutes," Chris said.

His mother, Joleen Hagler, said she felt her complaints to the school went ignored until she contracted district leaders, holding multiple meetings about the problem.

"At this point I'm pleased if they follow through with what they said," Joleen said.

Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District superintendent Dr. Jacki Cottingim-Dias said she couldn't comment on the specifics of the case, but issued a statement saying, "We take all complaints of hateful behavior seriously and we intensively investigate any situations brought to our attention. We do not want any of our students to feel unsafe at school."

School officials said some of the changes include allowing Chris to use the staff restroom instead of the student bathroom and giving him open access to the school councilor and psychologist.

Staff members will also undergo sensitivity training and pass the training onto students.

District officials said hate-based harassment isn't tolerated and any student found guilty of harassment could face punishment ranging from on-site discipline to expulsion.

Chris said he plans to return to school next week.