Bemidji parent urges board to pursue restorative discipline after child charged

Michelle Marion told the Bemidji Public School District school board during the public‑comment period on June 16 that her family has spent “a lot of hours” in court after an incident involving her then‑11‑year‑old daughter and that the process has had long‑running effects on the child’s schooling and well‑being. "These are children that do not have their frontal lobes developed yet," Marion said, arguing the criminal‑justice approach is not appropriate for young adolescents and urging the board to consider restorative alternatives.

Marion said her daughter initially was the victim of racial slurs and was later involved in a fight in which the other family chose to press charges. The commenter described multiple court appearances and a weeklong school suspension that she said contributed to a decline in grades. "My immediate answer was no," Marion said when asked if her family would press charges; later she added that the family opposing hers did press charges.

Marion asked the board to review policies that can divert children from the adult‑oriented justice system and to expand restorative practices. She also said her daughter reported the allegedly abusive behavior to teachers but was told to avoid the other student. The board did not take an immediate action on policy changes during the meeting; the comment was entered into the public‑comment record. The board proceeded with its agenda, including handbook and policy updates that were on the evening’s calendar.