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December 2001/January 2002 | Volume 59 | Number 4
Understanding the Law Pages 88-88
From Hostile to Friendly Hallways
In "Hostile Hallways" (p. 20), Jacqueline Woods points out that harassment is common and that harassed students often suffer academically as well as psychologically.
Discuss the anti-harassment policy in your district. Does your school or district have a comprehensive, written policy that includes documenting incidents of harassment? Do you have a training program to help staff recognize and deal with harassment? Is there a structure for students to discuss what constitutes harassment? What procedures are in place to help the harassed student—and the harasser?
Describe friendly or hostile behavior that you have witnessed in the classroom, cafeteria, playground, or hallways of your school. Share examples of successful handling of harassment or bullying and of incidents that were more ambiguous and difficult to handle.
Explore the larger issue of school climate. Are there underlying tensions within the school that are detrimental to developing a sense of community? Does your school have peer mediation, leadership programs, or support groups to address some of these concerns? Discuss ways to get feedback from administrators, teachers, parents, and students about the school's level of friendliness or hostility. Consider ways to create a safe and supportive school environment and to improve school climate.