The New York Times,February 17, 2000

Ten-Year-Old apologizes for poor grades, kills Self
By The Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) -- A 10-year-old boy, apparently upset over his grades, hanged himself from his bunk bed with a belt, police said Thursday.

Anthony Richards was found Tuesday night by his mother after leaving a note apologizing for a bad report card he had brought home last week.

Police described the family as very stable and loving.

The fifth-grader's mother, Marvell Archibald, said Anthony's teacher had picked on him because he was short. ``Anthony told me: `My teacher doesn't like me. Please take me out of her class,''' Archibald said.

United Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten defended the teacher, saying the 14-year veteran had a good relationship with Anthony. She said the boy was a good student.


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