Racist, Sexual Remarks in School Not Addressed, Parent Says
Man said there was a lack of response from administrators after step-daughter was allegedly bullied.
Racist and sexually-oriented remarks allegedly made toward a Jefferson Township High School student prompted the girl's step-father to approach the Board of Education demanding action last week.
Tom Staron told the Board of Education on Jan. 21 that several students made inappropriate comments to his step-daughter—including calling her a racially deragatory name and making sexually lewd comments—dating back to October.
“I’m a firm believer that there are three sides to every story,” he said. “Both sides and the truth.”
But the man's concern was not only with the comments allegedly made to his step-daughter, but in the reaction, or lack thereof, in his opinion, on the part of the school district.
“According to the bullying law, that falls under a harassment, and an investigation should have been started,” he said. “That wasn’t done.”
Staron said his dismay with the high school’s handling of bullying cases dates back two years. He said his step-daughter—a freshman at the time—had been bullied by a senior and fellow freshman.
The man said he had visited the school and spoke with a former vice principal who later called and said the situation was “taken care of.” However, Staron said the bullying picked up again a few weeks later.
District administrators, particularly at the high school, have been criticized by other families for not taking appropriate action after instances of alleged bullying.
Last year, parents of a freshman approached the board and said their son had been "brutally attacked" by another student. They said their son suffered a concussion and possible permanent damage to his left eye and that their son was not given medical attention after the incident.
The parents, Michael and Elaine Attanasio, filed a lawsuit against the Jefferson Township Board of Education, high school principal Karl Mundi, assistant principal Vickki Nadler, interim assistant principal Noreen Risko, student assistance counselor Joanne Martino, case manager Dr. Philip Guarraia, nurse Jane Hoffman and several teachers. The lawsuit claimed the school district and administrators had violated Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying laws and were negligent in hiring and supervising personnel.
Staron said one of his main concerns was that he and his wife did not receive replies to many of their messages to staff and administrators, including a letter to former Superintendent Kathleen Fuchs.
“If you want to have and enforce a policy, you have to respond to things before they get any worse,” Staron said.
The retired police detective told Superintendent Joseph Kraemer he would like to meet face-to-face to discuss the problem.
Kraemer said this was the first time he had heard about this situation and that he would like to make an appointment with Staron and his wife.
“These are things I’d like to discuss in private, not public,” Kraemer said.
Staron said he just wanted to get some answers and understood “they’re all teenagers” and that his step-daughter can also be disruptive at times.
MJ
9:10 am on Tuesday, January 29, 2013
im so sick of hearing about bullying and holding schools responsible for this action. Teach your kids to be better kids and NOT bully and teach them to get a backbone!! Bullying has been going on in schools and LIFE for years - at least 20 or 30 years - so this is something that is not new. If it become violent, that's one thing, but if it is just name calling, GET OVER IT - I don't think it is right, however, holding schools responsible for this is just ridiculous!! Stop shielding your children and start teaching them - THIS is why kids have such an "entitlement" attitude - what are you going to do when they are "bullied" outside of school? Who are you going to hold responsible then?!? Get over it parents and start teaching your children - this is out of control!!!
Bob
11:14 am on Tuesday, January 29, 2013
MJ it's about trying to walk the tightrope of balance. The law has schools investigating everything. I've seen kids investigated because they laughed when a student mocked someone else and had it turn around and back fire on them. The threshold requiring an investigation is low and burdens schools heavily. By the same token, schools need to ensure they are providing a physically and emotionally safe atmosphere that is conducive to learning. Being bullied doesn't fit that description. I've also heard anecdotal evidence that at times those who are "bullied" have actually been the taunters and only cry foul when it turns against them. None of the cases are cut and dry. It makes it very difficult for schools. Parents must make sure they bring it to the schools attention if they feel there is an issue. By the same token, I agree that parents need to be part of the solution as well, I hope in this case both parties can find common ground in that middle.
David Comora
7:50 am on Saturday, February 2, 2013
Glad that schools are taking this issue seriously. I've seen verbal bullying lead to physical abuse in recent years, because schools and parents did not effectively intervene. However, in most instances, kids are left emotionally scarred for life by verbal abuse,and this can also be avoided by proper intervention. I think this generation of kids is more accepting of differences in race and sexual orientation than my generation was, and that is encouraging.
BillBalls
9:14 am on Saturday, February 2, 2013
So the school are forced by law to bully the bully? Do bullies no longer have 1st amendment rights? Have any of you watched "A Clock Work Orange?"
Elmer Provost
7:29 am on Thursday, February 14, 2013
Mr. Balls,
Since I know that you cannot in any way be serious because it would mean that you have sub 100 IQ and most likely a GED. I shall choose to ignore the comment.
You need to learn the top the impulse to express the voices in your head.
Elmer P.
Amy Gould
3:24 pm on Monday, February 18, 2013
Bullying is a very gray area in my opinion. I agree with MJ in that are kids are not developing the tough skin that will serve them well in the real world because parents are too quick to jump in. Personally, I went to a school with a significant gang presence (requiring daily frisking and metal detectors) and kept my nose down and in the books. I was tall, lanky, and in no way blended in. I heard my share of comments but learned to laugh them off. Eventually the lack of response becomes pointless for students seeking the reaction. It's tough being the slightest bit different but it helps you build the backbone that you will need in coping later in life. The jokes on them- I turned out A-OK!
Moral of the story- focus on studies! Don't sweat the small stuff. Then laugh at the bully when you are successful at your reunion!!!