Gateway student, 15, punched in face after defending herself from male classmate

MONROEVILLE, Pa. — David Traficante said he is tired of his 15-year-old daughter being bullied at Gateway High School.

A black eye is the last straw.

He said Cayla was at school last week in the cafeteria when another student, a boy, hit his daughter in the eye. He claims the student called his daughter a vulgar name, and then she tapped him on his face.

“He got tapped and immediately with the left hand, her whole body goes across the cafeteria table,” Traficante said.

He says his daughter and the other student were suspended. She's back in school, but is still being bullied, including via a picture he said was put on Instagram making fun of her black eye.

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Gateway's superintendent said the school followed policy when dealing with the situation.

"Gateway High School administrators acted swiftly with the incident and followed all protocols in administering discipline. The health, safety, and welfare of all students is paramount to the district," said Dr. William Short.

Now the family has hired an attorney and is threatening legal action unless the school district hires an officer dedicated to stopping bullying.

“I am calling for a bullying officer in every school district in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” said Phil DiLucente.

“What else can I do if the administration refuses to help her all year, after seven months?” Traficante said.

Cox Media Group