So a student at a nearby middle school killed himself (with his parent's easily accessible pistol) after being relentlessly bullied for years.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/7220896.html
According to the school's own mission statement:
Um, I don't think they are practicing what they preach. I don't think this environment is conducive to "community-minded adults", or to "self-esteem", or to the "respect of others". I think those involved with disrupting this environment should be at least removed from the environment for causing such things and the school should be reprimanded for not following their own goals.
This is not the first time something like this has happened. This month.
This is a terribly pervasive problem. So much so blogger Dan Savage has started a campaign It Gets Better. A series of videos of gays and lesbians that show if kids can survive and make it through the tough times high school contains, their lives will markedly improve upon graduation.
While I find this a good step, it is more reactionary. Just like the parents of these children, they expected ridicule to their children, but they didn't expect their children to be hurt so emotionally that they would commit suicide.
A gay comedian (I can't find the link) stated that it is easier to find solace and understanding at least one place in the life of a child, at home, if you are different with race or gender or ethnicity; the rest of your family shares your "condition" or characteristic. But gay children, however, don't even have that safety net of understanding at home.
We should not tolerate any level of bullying or fighting or ridicule. Certainly not to the point of years of mental and physical abuse this child endured with complaints from parents falling on deaf ears. In some of these cases, even the parents do not want to fight for their children's safety and that is the ultimate sin.
Please contact your local school districts and ask what programs they have available for children with questions and issues regarding LGBT topics and what anti-bullying policies in general they have in place for the safety and well-being of their students.
Things like this don't just suddenly happen. And things like this can be corrected before they get out of control.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/7220896.html
According to the school's own mission statement:
Campus Goals
Students' academic performance and achievement level will reflect excellence in learning and attainment of both high expectations and high standards.
Students' behavior will exemplify the skills, attitudes, and/or practices characteristic of productive, community-minded adults: citizenship, self-esteem, respect for others, accountability for actions, and healthful lifestyles.
Vision Statement
Hamilton Middle School will provide a nurturing yet challenging atmosphere that meets the varied developmental needs of middle school students. As a learning organization, Hamilton teachers and staff will strive to create a distinctive and quality learning environment based on rigor, relevance, and relationships at the highest level to promote growth and learning opportunities. Collaboration between all stakeholders will be required to foster a spirit of discovery, innovation, and real-world connections. Hamilton Middle School will provide multiple opportunities for students to acquire the necessary academic skills to prepare them for high school and beyond. In addition to imparting knowledge to our students, Hamilton will emphasize higher-level thinking skills and decision-making skills; we will instill in our students the qualities embodied by REAL: respect, excellence, accountability, and leadership. We seek to encourage intellectual curiosity and an awareness and appreciation for our diverse cultural backgrounds, and a spirit of community service. Our goal is to prepare Hamilton students to become productive citizens of the 21st Century.
Hamilton Mission
“We are Hamilton…Committed to Excellence.”
Hamilton Core Values
“We believe it starts with me!”
* Rigor
* Relevance
* Relationships
* REAL
o Respect
o Excellence
o Accountability
o Leadership
Um, I don't think they are practicing what they preach. I don't think this environment is conducive to "community-minded adults", or to "self-esteem", or to the "respect of others". I think those involved with disrupting this environment should be at least removed from the environment for causing such things and the school should be reprimanded for not following their own goals.
This is not the first time something like this has happened. This month.
This is a terribly pervasive problem. So much so blogger Dan Savage has started a campaign It Gets Better. A series of videos of gays and lesbians that show if kids can survive and make it through the tough times high school contains, their lives will markedly improve upon graduation.
While I find this a good step, it is more reactionary. Just like the parents of these children, they expected ridicule to their children, but they didn't expect their children to be hurt so emotionally that they would commit suicide.
A gay comedian (I can't find the link) stated that it is easier to find solace and understanding at least one place in the life of a child, at home, if you are different with race or gender or ethnicity; the rest of your family shares your "condition" or characteristic. But gay children, however, don't even have that safety net of understanding at home.
We should not tolerate any level of bullying or fighting or ridicule. Certainly not to the point of years of mental and physical abuse this child endured with complaints from parents falling on deaf ears. In some of these cases, even the parents do not want to fight for their children's safety and that is the ultimate sin.
Please contact your local school districts and ask what programs they have available for children with questions and issues regarding LGBT topics and what anti-bullying policies in general they have in place for the safety and well-being of their students.
Things like this don't just suddenly happen. And things like this can be corrected before they get out of control.
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