JEFFERSON COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — Controversy surrounds Jeff Tech's graduation this year after the school administration chose not to honor a student who died by suicide.

Community members are asking serious questions about mental health and how it is talked about in schools. The uproar began on social media about honoring the memory of Bailee Bell.

"No family or friends or loved ones should have to go through this," Bell's mom Denise Doutt said after Jeff Tech told her they wouldn't recognize her late son at their graduation.

Bailee took his own life in 2022 and was set to graduate this spring. However, when his family and peers asked for him to be recognized, the school refused, saying they didn't want it to lead to "contagion."

"Jeff Tech was promoting Kick the Stigma. So here you are

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