What's the message?

In a time when methods of discipline and police presence in schools is coming under a lot of scrutiny, why would a social activist call for students to disrupt classes?  It has been proven that increasing a child's instructional time leads to a decrease in tardiness, absences, and disciplinary problems.  Under the Texas Education Code - Section 37.124, classroom disruption is a class C misdemeanor.  It has been widely discussed that once a student enters the justice system, their chance for success (timely graduation) begins to decrease.  Once they begin that downward spiral, in come the gangs, the truancy, the bullying, and the drugs.  So again I ask, why would a social activist call for students to intentionally disrupt classes?

The Irving (Texas) Independent School District has approximately 34,000 students.  Nearly 71% of those students are Hispanic.  Black and white students make up about 12% each.  The Irving ISD has an all white school board.  However, this week, the school board voted to change the way the members are elected, thus increasing the chance that minorities are voted into positions.  While still not a perfect system, it is a step in the right direction.  There are several community minority leaders who are still not pleased with the results.  While some are focusing on voter education and parents' participation in the schools, a member of the Irving NAACP states,

"If they don't go to a 7-0, we are suing them. We are calling for the kids to disrupt classes. We will be using every means necessary to get these people's attention."

The NAACP states in their objectives that they wish to remove barriers through democratic processes.  While there was a time for disruption and the "by any means necessary" mentality, is that the right message to teach students now?  When politics and agendas are argued in a board meeting between adults is one thing.  When you put the future of your students and children on the line, that's another. 

More can be read on this story here.

Not Just Students

The final week before Christmas break can be very enjoyable and very stressful for both teachers and students.  We often hear of an increase in students fighting during these weeks as several months worth of stressors reach a boiling point.  The pressure of semester exams mixed with the social ills facing many of these kids can, for some, be too much to handle.  What about the teachers?  As school districts across the nation are facing budget and staffing issues, state testing woes, and lack of morale, how are the teachers responding?  Teachers are usually looked upon to be the mediators of most of these problems.  No one expects the teachers to snap.

This past week in Poughkeepsie, New York, one of those teachers snapped.  While students filled the halls between periods, a 40 year old English teacher, who heard rumors of her upcoming firing attacked a fellow English teacher, a 54 year old female, with an 8 inch screwdriver.  Here's a quote from this story;

“And then time seemed to stand still. Dozens of teens and teachers froze as they say 40-year-old Ronette Ricketts began viciously stabbing fellow English teacher Cynthia Glozier. 3 wounds to the head, 2 puncture wounds to the neck, a dozen more to her back and body.”

As details unfold, one thing has been confirmed.  The rumors of the attacking teacher’s firing were untruthful.  Her job was safe. 

A senior football player witnessed the attack and decided to step in.  He rushed the attacking teacher and jammed the screwdriver out of her hand.  Many have since hailed Justin Richardson as a hero.  He credits his coach’s training as kicking in at the right time. 

Virgina Tech Redux

On Wednesday, December 7, 2011, 22 year old Ross Truett Ashley walked into his landlord’s office, pulled out a handgun, and demanded the keys to a Mercedes Benz.

On Thursday, December 8, 2011, Ross Ashley walked up to the unmarked patrol car of Virginia Tech Police Officer Deriek Crouse, who was on a traffic stop, and shot him to death. 

Mr. Ashley then ran through the Virginia Tech University campus before ultimately turning his gun on himself and ending his life. 

The campus was placed on lockdown as news quickly spread of a gunman on the loose.  While this would stir a panic at any school or university, the fact that it happened at Virginia Tech further alarmed many people.  On April 16, 2007, Virginia Tech was the scene of the worst school shooting, and the deadliest shooting incident by a lone gunman, in U.S. history.  On that fateful day, 33 people, including the shooter, were killed and 25 others wounded.  Many fault the responding officers’ reaction to the 2007 massacre.  Since then many policies throughout the country have been changed and several books have been written about the events.  Much has been learned about the shooter, Seung-Hui Cho, who was 23 years old when this incident took place. 

Ross Ashley is not as well known.  Although who knows what will be revealed about his character and any potential demons he was battling with, most reports simply say he was a quiet business student at a nearby college.  Other than recently shaving his head and running through his apartment hallways, he was hardly noticed.  It will be interesting (to some) to see what is revealed about this otherwise “normal” appearing young man. 

And while incidents like this happen far too often, the amount of attention being given to this shooting is its location.  As Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell said, “It's just unfortunate and almost inexplicable that you could have a series of these events happen in a short four-year period.”

Officer Crouse was married and had 5 children. 

"Cyber-Banging": When Gangs Take It From the Street to the Web - New America Media

"Cyber-Banging": When Gangs Take It From the Street to the Web - New America Media

Bullying By The Numbers

Opponents of statistics often say that numbers can be skewed to prove whatever point is trying to be driven.  While this may be the case, there are some numbers that speak for themselves, and in this case, I believe I found some.  Here are some very alarming statistics on suicide, bullying, and bullycide.

1. According to the CDC, suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death among young people, resulting in approximately 4,400 deaths per year.
2. For every "successful" suicide, there are reportedly at least 100 attempts.
3. Over 14% of high school students have considered suicide, and 7% have attempted it.
4. Bullying victims are 2-9 times more likely to resort to suicide according to a Yale University study.
5. According to the above study, 10-14 year old girls are at a high risk.
6. According to a recent ABC News report, 30% of students are bullies or victims of bullies. (this number appears low).
7. The same ABC report reported that 160,000 kids stay home from school every day in fear of bullying.

And many people still believe bullying is a fad or a right of passage. 

Bullycide

A few years ago, the term “bullycide” did not exist.  However with the alarming number of kids killing themselves due to the cruelty of bullying, it was created.  In the last few weeks, it has been re-enforced.    

In Ridge Farm, Illinois, Ashlyn Conner was “tormented” by her classmates.  She was being called “fat” and a “slut” even though she was a beautiful child.  She had a bright smile and was a cheerleader.  The night before her death, she reportedly asked her mother if she could be home schooled because she was terrified of returning to her school.  The mother told her no and when she woke up the next morning, her daughter had killed herself by hanging herself with a scarf. 

In Chadbourn, North Carolina, Jasmine McClain hung herself with a belt after repeated bullying at school.  She was teased about her clothes and her shoes and she also dreaded returning to school.  Investigators further learned of her bullying through Facebook.  In every parent’s worst nightmare, her mother found her and Jasmine took her final breath in her mother’s arms. 

On April 20, 1999, there were 13 homicide and 2 bullycide victims at Columbine High School.  International news stations covered the events.  Books have been written, programs have been developed, and legislation has been passed based on the events of that day.  Sadly, in the case of these young girls and the majority of these young victims, their stories go untold. 

May their families find peace. 

Ashlyn Conner story can be read here

Jasmine McClain story can be read here

Stalked, Bullied, Beaten

In Garland, Texas, a 15 year old high school student was a victim of an all too common crime this week. 

In what appears to be an assault planned by the aggressor and her friends, a female student was approached at school, and while attempting to walk AND keeping her hands in her pockets, was assaulted.  She suffered a broken nose and had to be treated at a local emergency room. 

It appears that the parents of the victim had previously taught her properly.  They told her to walk away and it is very evident in the video which accompanies this story, that this is what she attempted to do.  The victim's mother had this to say,

“Just look at how violent it is! I told her, I said just walk away. She said, ‘I did what you told me, Mom.’ I told her no matter what you just walk away and she did,” she said.

In another all too common thread of this story, the incident apparently started on social media.  While social media can be a very rewarding, fulfilling, and practical tool, left in the hands of teenagers it can have serious, and sometimes deadly consequences.  The video was also posted on Youtube which many people do not consider a social media site.  With the technology in cellular phones ever increasing, kids can post videos to Youtube, Facebook, and other social media sites as soon as they are recorded.  The comments posted about these vidoes on all the sites can be alarming. 

The local school district did not comment on the incident.  However, school districts across the State of Texas were recently mandated to adopt anti-bullying policies which address cyber-bullying as well as several other times.  Harsher consequences for the aggressors are now mandatory.  So while the parents may be upset that the attackers were not arrested, they should remain vigilant in ensuring that the school complies with policy.  And they need to continue to teach their daughter that fighting is not the answer.