have a fiduciary responsibility to address the problems. There should be added resources from
the state and federal level, with social workers and other trained support staff that take the
lead with a plan for the individual children subject to abuse and a plan for the school's over
all culture climate. The teachers are part of the team, not the single lead factor to meet
such expectations.
We are a violent society on many levels, and as you know, we do not make the investment
early on..the team I mentioned earlier must involve the parents of the abused and the parents
of the abuser. Generally speaking, relying solely on punitive measures does not teach what
is missing in the lives of the abusers..we need to shape that best we can.
I will share a story that gives one small example of creating a culture of acceptance.
A number of years ago, a 10th grader attended his new school wearing a pink shirt and
was subsequently teased mercilessly for it. A Senior caught wind of what occurred and
sent out e-mails urging all students to wear a pink shirt to school..they did in great
numbers. The victim was supported and most important, the bully got it. The transformation
was dramatic, and highlights a change of heart without the need for the police, school
suspensions and the like.
I am not suggesting this is an easy fix, yet we need to move in this direction with first
and foremost the money to help facilitate a safe and healthy school environment.
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