Bullying bill replicates existing school policies
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By The Quad-City Times | Sunday, February 18, 2007 |
We’re certain that school bullies in Bettendorf don’t ponder board policy 502.10 before they slam another student for the clothes he wears, her hairstyle, or whom they think that student might be attracted to. If they did, the bully would know all the student has to do is confidentially tell a teacher. Bettendorf and every other Quad-City school district have clear policies explaining what happens next.
An administrator will investigate. He or she will interview witnesses. The allegations will be brought to the board, which can suspend or expel the bully.
Of course, none of that matters to an insult-hurling teenager mired in adolescent confusion and clueless about the hurtful consequences of such reckless behavior.
So we’re not sure adding another 500 or so words in the state code against bullying will make much difference. Iowa lawmakers are debating an anti-bullying bill that would be almost meaningless around here. It would require every district to adopt its own anti-bullying policy that specifies the types of insults, including those that mention gay or lesbian behaviors.
All of our Iowa Quad-City school districts have had anti-bullying or harassment policies for at least a decade. All were revised within the past three years. Almost all include specific protections against insults about perceived sexual orientation. That’s the sticky point that troubles some Republicans in the legislature. Rep. Linda Miller, R-Bettendorf, is among those who wonder why sexual orientation has to be spelled out.
It shouldn’t have to be, but we’re glad it is included in district policies. Some students and adults dismiss bullying based on sexual orientation because they personally disagree with homosexuality. Adding the language reminds them that bullying for any reason is harassment, even if it’s a reason they don’t agree with.
Miller was among Republicans trying to fill the bill with proposed amendments they hoped would force protracted debate and sink the bill. Almost all were dismissed, except Miller’s. She came up with an interesting amendment that requires school policies to respond to not only person-to-person bullying, but also threats made via the Internet.
It would force an extension of districts’ current policies to cover communication technology that wasn’t around when most of these policies were approved. But this does something new: It extends the district’s authority beyond school grounds. It leaves districts in the impossible position of responding to bullying done through text messages, instant messages and e-mails. It also brings in bullying that surfaces on MySpace, Facebook and countless other online social networks absolutely jam-packed with teenage judgment.
Quad-City schools have the policies they need to discipline bullies. They don’t need state law requiring still more policies.
If lawmakers want to continue the important work of teaching tolerance and respect in schools, they can fund specific program and curriculum improvements to get the job done. But we don’t expect more words in state code can reduce bullying in schools, online or anywhere.
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