text: This is such a huge problem in Catholic schools and one that I faced myself and that I saw again and again when I went to school.  The issue isn't really the kids being awful, but the fact that the administrators and others refuse to discipline them.  This is a huge class issue.  Generally, the bullies are from wealthy Catholic families who give lots of money to the particular school, diocese, Catholic causes, etc.  They also tend to be more "outwardly" pious.  As a result, the principals and teachers turn a blind eye while punishing the victims.