State lawmaker to address bullying after SC 5th grader dies in classroom fight

WALTERBORO, S.C. — As the family of a South Carolina girl waits for answers about her heartbreaking death, a state lawmaker is already working to make sure another young life isn't lost.

[Prosecutor: Charges not certain in South Carolina 5th grader's fight death]

Walterboro fifth grader RaNiya Wright died Wednesday, two days after a violent fight at school.

Although, officials haven't confirmed if bullying played a role in the fight, state Sen. Margie Bright Matthews isn't taking any chances.

>> We first updated WSOCTV news app users with a notification just before noon Wednesday that the student had died. Download the WSOCTV news app for your smartphone and get updates on this developing story as they come in.

She said oversized classes prevent teachers from building bonds with students and curbing misbehavior before it happens.

[RELATED: Few answers after SC 5th grader dies in elementary school fight]

“If they can bond with these children, they can then pinpoint or better deal with those children that have adjustment issues, or the ones you might consider to be bullies, and get to the root of what’s going on,” said Matthews.

The senator plans to address the topic at the state Capitol this week.

Cox Media Group