2008 Woodie Awards
Official: Bill may curb harassment
Kurt Hiatt - The Daily Iowan
Issue date: 2/16/07 Section: Metro
- Page 1 of 1
While officials say bullying has never been acceptable in the Iowa City School District, legislation that would create a universal, statewide policy could pose new consequences for rule-breakers.
The bill - different versions of which have bounced between the Senate and House - is in the House awaiting approval.
Marian Coleman, the district's equity director, said that while the district already enforces anti-bullying rules, a state-mandated policy would prove helpful.
"It would just mean that we would have more leverage [to enforce policies]," she said, adding that a statewide bill prohibiting harassment in all Iowa schools would be influential in curbing bullying.
As part of the legislation, the bill - if passed - would require all Iowa's public and private schools to meet a standard regarding how bullying cases are handled and what reports must be filed.
Coleman said the paperwork likely wouldn't be much different for the local district, because officials already keep records of incidents. Each report documents the problem, the action taken, how it was resolved, and any necessary follow-ups.
But depending on the specifics in the bill if it passes, she said, officials may have to tweak some district procedures.
The legislation would create a statewide standard to protect victims of bullying, as well as specifically protect against teasing for reasons such as sexual orientation, gender identity, and ethnicity.
Coleman said she doesn't believe there are a higher numbers of gays and lesbians harassed compared with other students, but she doesn't see a problem with expressly protecting some groups.
Sam Caruso, a West High School junior, said the specific protection would be beneficial.
"It's a good idea to have [a section] for sexual orientation rather than an umbrella against all harassment," he said. "It shows [students] it's for real, and we do have to take this seriously."
While Caruso said he hasn't witnessed much harassment, when an incident does occur, it's usually verbal rather than physical, springing from minor disagreements among students.
Coleman agreed that the majority of bullying is verbal - and she said it takes a toll on those involved.
"The kids get really upset about it," the equity director said. "They're in a bad place, and they can't go to school because they're afraid."
If the legislation is passed, all Iowa schools must implement a suitable anti-bullying system by September, which would also encourage districts to take measures to prevent bullying before it happens.
E-mail DI reporter Kurt Hiatt at:
kurtis-hiatt@uiowa.edu
The bill - different versions of which have bounced between the Senate and House - is in the House awaiting approval.
Marian Coleman, the district's equity director, said that while the district already enforces anti-bullying rules, a state-mandated policy would prove helpful.
"It would just mean that we would have more leverage [to enforce policies]," she said, adding that a statewide bill prohibiting harassment in all Iowa schools would be influential in curbing bullying.
As part of the legislation, the bill - if passed - would require all Iowa's public and private schools to meet a standard regarding how bullying cases are handled and what reports must be filed.
Coleman said the paperwork likely wouldn't be much different for the local district, because officials already keep records of incidents. Each report documents the problem, the action taken, how it was resolved, and any necessary follow-ups.
But depending on the specifics in the bill if it passes, she said, officials may have to tweak some district procedures.
The legislation would create a statewide standard to protect victims of bullying, as well as specifically protect against teasing for reasons such as sexual orientation, gender identity, and ethnicity.
Coleman said she doesn't believe there are a higher numbers of gays and lesbians harassed compared with other students, but she doesn't see a problem with expressly protecting some groups.
Sam Caruso, a West High School junior, said the specific protection would be beneficial.
"It's a good idea to have [a section] for sexual orientation rather than an umbrella against all harassment," he said. "It shows [students] it's for real, and we do have to take this seriously."
While Caruso said he hasn't witnessed much harassment, when an incident does occur, it's usually verbal rather than physical, springing from minor disagreements among students.
Coleman agreed that the majority of bullying is verbal - and she said it takes a toll on those involved.
"The kids get really upset about it," the equity director said. "They're in a bad place, and they can't go to school because they're afraid."
If the legislation is passed, all Iowa schools must implement a suitable anti-bullying system by September, which would also encourage districts to take measures to prevent bullying before it happens.
E-mail DI reporter Kurt Hiatt at:
kurtis-hiatt@uiowa.edu
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