Yellow Bird: Name-calling and bullying in schools

Wednesday, January 24, 2007  

" Unfortunately, name-calling and bullying seem to be a sign of the times. Schools throughout the nation struggle with bullying or harassment in schools. Name-calling and harassment have sparked fights, beatings and even school shootings.

The trend for harassment and bullying among students in schools today caused staff at Farmington Middle School East to survey students to see how many of them have been harassed or bullied. Amazingly, 75 percent of the students surveyed said they experienced some kind of bullying or name-calling while in or near school.

So, it seems the staff at Farmington Middle School East was right to undertake a program to teach tolerance and respect. But the agenda that the school has laid out for the students isn't what the angry parents probably suspect. I read through the school's agenda for 'No name-calling' week, and there isn't one mention of gay or lesbian lifestyles in the weeklong lesson plan. The agenda talks mostly about students making disparaging remarks to each other about everyday items such as clothing, body weight, grades, interests and so on.

The number, if any, of gay and lesbian students at Farmington Middle School East is unknown. Judging by the age of the students, it probably isn't a common issue, either.

Yet, these young people don't live in a bubble. They have encountered people who are gay or lesbian. That's not new to them. So, understanding these issues could be included in their agenda.

It is unfortunate that some parents are setting an example for their children of disrespect and intolerance. These parents are saying by example there is only one lifestyle to be tolerated and respected."

Get the Story:
Dorreen Yellow Bird: Tolerance should be accepted (The Grand Forks Herald 1/24)
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