Update about 'Drop charges against transgender teen defending herself!' on Change.org

If you signed the petition, then you already have gotten this message.  For those of you who haven't, here's an update:


Hi,

Thank you all for signing my petition asking for the charges against my sister, Jewlyes Gutierrez to be dropped. More than 200,000 of you took action and the outpouring of support means so much to us!

The Judge recently placed Jewlyes in a restorative justice process - this allows her and the other girls involved in the fight to work toward a resolution that doesn't involve the courts. Once she completes that program her charge will be dropped!

Jewlyes was also nominated to be San Francisco Pride’s Grand Marshal! The SF Pride Celebration and Parade is the largest LGBT gathering in the nation. She is nominated alongside some amazing LGBT activists and would really appreciate your vote!

If you'd like to vote for her, please click this link: http://sfpride.org/vote/

Thank you so much for your support!

Best,

Valerie 

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Please Sign the Petition! Drop charges against transgender teen defending herself!

My sister, Jewlyes Gutierrez, is a 16 year old teenager, who identifies as a transgender female. Her gender identity has caused her to be a victim of taunting, harassment, and bullying by her peers.  On November 13, 2013, Jewlyes defended herself against three girls who were tormenting and then physically attacked her. This was captured on video and you can see Jewlyes trying to run away. The students involved were suspended but to our disbelief, District Attorney Daniel Cabral then filed charges against Jewlyes for battery - she's the only one charged.

Jewlyes should not be charged criminally. Rather, this altercation should be the responsibility of the school district, who should take proper action and implement the necessary resources to prevent incidents like these from happening again.  

One of the girls who attacked Jewlyes had repeated bullied her - even spitting gum in her face. Jewlyes sought help from the assistant principal in fear of her physical safety but the issue was not properly addressed, no necessary action was taken by the administration. The bullying continued.

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